History

Ryan Hall opened in 2009 because of a generous gift from Mrs. Shirley and Mr. Patrick Ryan. Mrs. Ryan is an extraordinary woman who has an immense passion for disability justice (hence, the birth of Ryan Hall!). Mr. and Mrs. Ryan’s son, Corbett, attended Notre Dame. Corbett uses a wheelchair for mobility, and although he lived in a handicapped accessible residence hall, Corbett still had difficulty moving around with ease. The Ryan Family envisioned a hall where people of different abilities could get around easily and thus Ryan Hall was built. There are unique architectural and design elements featured in Ryan Hall’s design that allow for ease of mobility (multiple elevators, handicapped buttons, removable door dividers, wide door openings, carpet that changes color at points of transition, quads with accessible bathrooms, etc.). This focus on accessibility for all is a huge part of hall culture. It also ties into our biggest signature event: Wheelchair Basketball. This event started in 2015 by Emily Voorde, former Ryan RA who also uses a wheelchair for mobility.

Fast Facts

Established: 2009
Mascot/Nickname: Wildcats
Color: Navy, Light Blue & White
Quad Location: West Quad (between the Morris Inn and the Bookstore)
Chapel: St. Anne’s Chapel
Annual Events: Wheelchair Basketball, Section Olympics, Ryan Hall Thanksgiving