What Will YOU Call Kemp Hall?

Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.

While it is increasingly common for Swarthmore students–particularly freshmen–to speak of Alice Paul Hall as “Alice Paul” or “A.P.,” the fact remains that most Swatties prefer the descriptive title of “New Dorm.” But David Kemp Hall is rapidly taking shape next-door; after its completion next year, Alice Paul will no longer be the “New Dorm” on campus. Will New Dorm retain its appellation even after its newness wears off? Will David Kemp receive a corresponding nickname?

Fourteen randomly selected Swarthmore students answered the question,“What do you plan to call the dorm that is currently under construction?”

Several had more than one answer. Eight of the students interviewed suggested “New New Dorm,” two suggested “D.K.,” two suggested “David Kemp,” two suggested “Kemp” or “Kemp Hall,” and one came up with “Brand-New Dorm.” None seemed to question the fact that Alice Paul would remain “New Dorm.” It seems that “New New Dorm” is Kemp Hall’s nickname of choice for now–only time can tell whether this unusual naming tradition will continue with future dormitories.