New Residence Promises Multiple Benefits

Russell Morrison (MA 1947) believes residence life is an integral part of a university education. When he went to U of T, he lived in various rooming houses: “I had friends, but not very many, and no sense of a shared experience.” Now the Toronto philanthropist and his wife, Katherine (PhD 1979), are making sure more U of T students enjoy the benefits of on-campus living. They are donating $6 million toward construction of University College’s first new residence in 50 years.

Morrison Hall will accommodate 270 students in a 13-storey tower located on St. George Street between the Whitney Hall and Sir Daniel Wilson residences. A three-storey east wing will match the low-rise setting of the back campus. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall, with completion in 2005.

“We’re doing more than building a a new residence,” notes UC principal Paul Perron. The Morrisons’ gift will also create new meeting space and boost community spirit among UC’s 4,000 students. It will also help contribute to much-needed renovations at Whitney and Daniel Wilson halls. This is not just the largest gift ever to University College, says Perron. “It will change the lives of many hundreds of students a year.”