University Hall: The Beating Heart of Ohio Wesleyan

When Ohio Wesleyan University was founded in 1842, Elliott Hall served as its first building. But  as the university grew, so did the need for a central academic and cultural hub. In 1898,  University Hall was completed, rising as the centerpiece of campus. Its Romanesque Revival  architecture—with its iconic clock tower, arched windows, and red brick façade—quickly  became the symbol of OWU. 

Generations of Bishops have walked through its doors, attended classes in its lecture halls, and  gathered in its grand spaces. University Hall is more than just a building—it is the heartbeat of  OWU, a place where history and student life intersect. 

Inside University Hall lies Gray Chapel, one of the most recognizable historical venues in  Delaware. Named for benefactor Mrs. George W. Gray, the chapel has hosted everything from  convocations and concerts to nationally renowned speakers. 

Over the decades, Gray Chapel has welcomed figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F.  Kennedy, Maya Angelou, Rutherford B. Hayes, Theodore and Eleanor Roosevelt, and Robert  Frost, making it a place where students have witnessed history firsthand. Its soaring ceilings,  stained-glass windows, and trademark pipe organ create an atmosphere of reverence and  grandeur. 

For OWU students, Gray Chapel is more than a performance space—it is a place of memory.  Choir concerts, lectures, inaugurations, and campus-wide events leave lasting impressions. 

“Every time I walk into Gray Chapel, I feel connected to something bigger,” said one OWU  student. “It’s like stepping into the university’s soul.” 

Beyond the chapel, University Hall holds another piece of lore: the ornate mirror located inside  its halls. The mirror, framed in dark wood and positioned near the staircases, has become a  quiet tradition among students. 

Legend has it that the mirror—originally located in the White House during President  Rutherford B. Hayes’ time in office—was donated on behalf of OWU being his wife’s alma mater in the early 20th century, intended to add elegance to the building’s interior. Over time, it became more than decoration—it became a ritual. Students often glance into it before exams,  performances, or interviews, as if seeking reassurance from generations past. 

Some alumni recall the mirror as a symbol of reflection—literally and figuratively.

“I used to stop and look at myself before every big presentation,” said one graduate. “It wasn’t vanity—it was a  reminder that I belonged here, that I was part of this place.” 

The mirror’s history may be simple, but its meaning has grown with time. It stands as a quiet witness to the lives of thousands of OWU students, reflecting not just faces but the spirit of the university. 

University Hall has undergone renovations over the years, but its essence remains unchanged. It continues to house classrooms, faculty offices, and Gray Chapel, serving as both a practical and symbolic center of campus. 

Admissions tours often pause to talk about the rich history of University Hall, with guides pointing to the clock tower as the defining image of OWU. For prospective students, it is love at first sight. For current students, it is a daily reminder of the university’s history. 

University Hall is not just a relic—it is part of everyday student life. Classes held inside connect students to the university’s origins in a tangible way. Events in Gray Chapel bring the campus together, while the mirror offers a moment of personal reflection. 

For many, University Hall embodies the spirit of OWU: rooted in tradition, yet always adapting.  Its survival through decades of change mirrors the resilience of the university itself. For OWU students, University Hall is more than a classroom or chapel—it is a connection to the generations who came before, a reminder that they are part of a legacy nearly 130 years in the making.