How a former coal company headquarters became a hub for modern scientific research

Science · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The University of Scranton has transformed from a small 1888 college into a modern Jesuit institution. Its campus evolution reflects a broader shift in academic infrastructure, moving from repurposed barracks and coal offices to state-of-the-art facilities like the Loyola Science Center, which integrates advanced laboratories into the university's historic architectural fabric.

Founded in 1888 by Bishop William O'Hara as St. Thomas College, the institution underwent significant structural changes throughout the 20th century. After the Society of Jesus assumed control in 1942, the university expanded rapidly, particularly following World War II. The campus initially relied on temporary barracks for classroom space, but an ambitious building campaign between 1956 and 1966 introduced fifteen new structures, including the original Loyola Hall of Science. This era marked the transition from a local commuter school to a comprehensive university, eventually leading to the establishment of a lay board of trustees in 1969.

The university's commitment to scientific infrastructure reached a milestone in 2011 with the completion of the Loyola Science Center. This facility unified several departments, including Biology, Chemistry, Computing Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics/Electrical Engineering. By integrating a new four-story structure with the existing Harper-McGinnis wing of St. Thomas Hall, the center created a cohesive hub featuring 34 laboratories, a vivarium, and a rooftop greenhouse. This development reflects a strategic focus on research, further supported by the 1996 Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine, which specializes in proteomics and cancer research.

Beyond the sciences, the campus architecture tells a story of adaptive reuse. O'Hara Hall, a six-story building constructed in 1922 as the headquarters for the Glen Alden Coal Company, was acquired in 1968 and repurposed to house various academic departments. Similarly, the 1910 Immanuel Baptist Church was transformed into the Houlihan-McLean Center for music. Today, the university continues to expand its footprint with modern additions like the 2015 Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Hall, which stands as the tallest building on campus and provides specialized environments for physical therapy and exercise science. These developments underscore a long-term commitment to blending historical character with the specialized needs of modern higher education.

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