Earthquake Damages Historic Building At University In Shawnee

Deanne Stein, News 9

SHAWNEE, Oklahoma -- St. Gregory's University in Shawnee sustained heavy damage when the 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck. The damage was done at Benedictine Hall, the centerpiece of the campus.

One of the spires that crowns the nearly 100-year-old building collapsed to the ground. The other three sustained heavy damage and will more than likely have to come down.

St. Gregory's as been a part of the Shawnee community since 1915. Benedictine Hall has been designated a national historic landmark. It contains the administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, science laboratories, computer laboratories, campus mailroom and the James J. Kelly Library, which contains over 50,000 bound volumes.

"The cooperation and patience of every member of the St. Gregory's community is needed as we contend with the damage of our beloved Benedictine Hall. Classrooms and offices are displaced, requiring alternative spaces that may have to move multiple times," said Greg Main, President of the university. "Routines will be disrupted, requiring flexibility and good spirits. Student morale is high, and they are determined to have a successful semester. As Benedictine Hall is restored, we will maintain the learning and serving traditions it so aptly symbolizes."

St. Gregory's University is the only Catholic university in the state and serves approximately 700 students in two colleges - the College of Arts and Sciences and the College for Working Adults.

Daytime classes in the College of Arts and Sciences are canceled on Monday. Evening classes in the College for working adults will be held, but in another location.

Daytime classes will resume on Tuesday.

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