Several college officials term it a "signature building," for Salem State and there's little question that Marsh Hall, the dormitory on Central Campus, symbolizes the school's transition from commuter college to regional university.
Though the name change doesn't become official until the start of October, there's already a new feeling of pride and optimism on the school's sprawling South Salem campuses to which students return next week.
There was a large and enthusiastic crowd of students already in attendance last Wednesday when the Marsh Residence Hall and Dining Commons — named not for a person, but its proximity to the wetlands at the mouth of the Forest River — was dedicated. The building, designed by architect Ed Hodges of DeMella/Shaffer and decorated throughout with faculty art, is spectacular.
The curving ceilings, wood floors and decorated walls were all designed to remind those inside of their proximity to the harbor and tidal estuary. Outside, the archway that keeps the public and resident areas separate, while allowing access throughout the building via the upper floors, provides a grand vista of Atlantic Hall and allows residents of the latter easy access to the rest of the campus.
The quadrangle formed by the two L-shaped buildings will no doubt be a popular place for students in the spring and fall. This space, with its wooden bridges, lush grass, stone wall and "bio-swale" for the collection of runoff water, is a triumph in terms of making Salem State more of a residential campus than a place where you park your car, go to class, and go home.
At Wednesday's ceremony, Richard Freeland, commissioner of the state Department of Higher Education, spoke of the "residential experience" as being an important component of any college education. Indeed, the growing population on campus should create more of a sense of community and increase attendance at school cultural and sporting events.
With Marsh Hall, Salem State can now accommodate 30 percent of the student body — still low even within the state college system — but due to increase in the coming years. (That same morning the Salem State Assistance Corp. signed papers acquiring the former Weir Valve property across from South Campus, which could be the site of future dorms as well as other school facilities.)
Salem State's energetic and highly-regarded president, Patricia Meservey, described the opening of Marsh Hall as "a tipping point" for her institution in terms of its ability to fulfill its mission.
Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry, D-Peabody, termed the recent good news, including the appropriation of funds for a new library to replace the one declared structurally unsound, the start of "a new era for Salem State University," one in which it will play an essential role in improving the lives of people throughout the region and the commonwealth.
Emblematic of the changes that have taken place at the school, founded in the 19th century as a place for young women to obtain training as teachers, were the two plaques presented to Meservey by Edward Adelman, executive director of the Massachusetts State College Building Authority. They announced his agency's very first projects — and Salem State's very first residence halls, Peabody Hall and Bowditch Hall — built in 1965, which still provide housing for students on SSU's North Campus.
In contrast to those very utilitarian buildings, however, Marsh Hall is a work of art both inside and out.
The quality of a building like this one matters a lot, Freeland rightly noted in his remarks. "We speak to our students through the building ... we tell them whether they are important or not."
The more than 500 sophomores who will occupy Marsh Hall beginning this week should know they matter a lot and that there are high hopes for what they will be able to accomplish after their four years at Salem State.
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