History & Traditions

A Brief History

Located on the northeast corner of Sixth Street and Rayburn, the two-story brick and concrete block McConnell Hall was built in 1956.  Originally a single student dormitory for 110 male students, it was also used as a guest residence. In 1984, the hall was temporary renamed Willis Sweet Hall, after another university founder and Regent (1889-1893). In 1988, it became a women's quiet dorm. With an extensive renovation in 1995, the hall was once again named McConnell and today is a co-ed residence hall with single-occupancy rooms. McConnell Hall (with Steel House and Targhee Hall) is one of only three residence halls on the University of Idaho campus with its own building.

Please contact the webmaster if you have any additional information on the history of McConnell Hall.

Source: University of Idaho Campus Buildings

William J. McConnell Biography	Coat of Arms	The Hall Mascot
William John McConnell was an early Idaho businessman, Senator, and Governor who was instrumental in the founding of the University of Idaho and received the University's first honorary degree. Click here to learn more.	Coats of Arms are part of a heraldic tradition dating back to Medieval Europe as a means of identifying soldiers in battle. They are a proud symbol of honor and represent the history of the family or organization that bears them. Click here to learn more.	There is a legend that an alligator lives in the heat tunnels on campus and occasionally wanders into McConnell in search of food. Click here to learn more.