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One would have to be living under a rock, or potentially off-campus, to not notice the huge hole in South Quad. This summer, the buildings of Pangborn and Fisher Hall were torn down, moving their past residents to alternate halls. While the gentlemen of Fisher Hall are now residing in Zahm Hall, the residents of Pangborn Hall are lucky enough to break into a brand new dorm on campus: Graham Family Hall.

Located on East Quad, Graham Family Hall closely resembles the collegiate gothic architecture stylings of its neighbors, Johnson Family Hall and Jordan Hall of Science. However, its characteristic arch, similar to that of Lyons Hall and Howard Hall, gives it a certain South Quad nostalgia. It houses approximately 262 students in singles, doubles, quads and six-man rooms. Between the outdoor patio, common lounges and kitchens, there are plenty of spaces for residents to relax, study and socialize.

The majority of Graham’s residents are Pangborn Hall alums, though there are plenty of first-year and transfer students there, as well. This grand building has appropriately nicknamed its residents the “Royals,” with colors purple and gold, to continue the Pangborn legacy in this new location.

Rector of Graham Family Hall, Rev. William R. Dailey, C.S.C., is excited to see that the new students are being integrated into the community. “We are striving to build a community where everyone is on an equal footing, is supported and valued, and nobody has to prove himself to belong,” says Fr. Dailey. He emphasized that the community’s “Go and Do Likewise” motto is already being practiced early into the school year.

Like most residential halls, Graham Family Hall has a fitness center and a laundry room. The residents can also enjoy a lounge and a kitchen on every floor. “Moving into a larger and more lavish building, there will always be some concerns about residents not branching out beyond the people in their section, but that has not been the case at all in Graham,” said resident assistant (RA) Michael Scanlon. Though Graham Family Hall provides amenities that Pangborn Hall didn’t share, these residents are still bringing their grit and spirit to the space, proving that their brotherhood will continue to grow in any condition.

One of the first acts of brotherhood was at the consecration of the Chapel of St. Augustine within Graham Family Hall, followed by a meal on East Quad. Here, the residents of Graham Family Hall were able to meet the building’s donor, Fighting Irish football alumnus Tracy Graham, and his family. “We are very grateful for the support and encouragement of Tracy and Kerie Graham, who have spent time with the guys already and are models of giving back in gratitude,” said Fr. Dailey.

Moving these Pangborn alumni has raised some commotion in the world of dining hall options. “I’m a big SDH patriot, and even more so now because the Fisher and Pangborn communities are in the NDH vicinity, which has led to some really atrocious lines,” said Liam Gibson, RA in Graham Family Hall. But Gibson also pointed out some of the pros coming from the upgrade, saying “The Graham chapel really blows me away … We’ve had multiple Masses where we’ve essentially packed out the chapel, which I believe sits around 200 people.”

Notre Dame residential life is an ever-changing cycle: knocking down, building up and rearranging housing almost every year. The men of Graham Family Hall are striving to make the space unique by embracing their Pangborn roots from across campus while welcoming transfers and first-years alike. “Go and Do Likewise” will continue to be a maxim for the Royals.