Stegenga Hall has been a staple of campus life since 1996. It has seen a name change, boys living on the first floor, many years of faithful traditions and hundreds of connections and communities built inside its walls.
When it was originally built, the dorm was simply called North Hall and joined the likes of West Hall, Smith Hall and Colenbrander Hall.
When it was first built, it was affectionately called “the hotel” due to the fact that it was the first dorm building to have air conditioning, which was considered a luxury at the time.
In 2003 it was renamed Stegenga Hall after the third President of Northwestern, Preston J. Stegenga and his wife Marcia Stegenga. President Stegenga served as president from 1955 to 1966. He became the president when NW was still called Northwestern Classical Academy and Junior College, and did much for the growing institution.
He oversaw the transition of NW into the four-year institution that it is today, and the awarding of its first Bachelor’s degrees in 1961. NW’s enrollment also more than doubled during his time as president.
Additionally, President Stegenga oversaw the construction of many buildings NW uses today such as Ramaker Library, the multi-purpose auditorium now known as the DeWitt Theatre Arts center and Hospers Hall.
He also worked hard to grow NW’s global programs for our students and international students by working with churches to recruit community members to act as host families for international students and financially support them.
Additionally, President Stegenga helped set up exchange programs for NW students and international students so that more students could see the world. For these reasons, among many more, President Stegenga is well deserving of having a dorm named in his memory.
Another little known fact about Steg is that for one year, it housed 34 men on the first south wing. This was due to increased enrollment of men in the 2010-2011 school year, and because the college was still completing construction on the newest men’s dorm, North Suites, now called Heemstra Suites. First south housed 34 male students, making Stegenga NW’s first and last co-ed dorm for one year.
Since then, Steg has housed hundreds of girls who faithfully maintain students’ favorite traditions, such as Thick Stack Thursday and Steggy Keggy.
About once a month on Thursday, one can find a line of girls stretching halfway down the Steg stairway, each one talking animatedly, and eager for a thick stack of pancakes. Once the door opens they crowd in, partake in pancakes lathered with syrup, butter, peanut butter and even nutella. Some go back to their rooms to continue the life of a student, while others stay and lounge on the RD’s welcoming couches and relish the sweet pancakes and fellowship. In the busy life of a college student, Thick Stack Thursday is an honored tradition that provides a sweet moment to pause and celebrate together.
One Steg resident said “I look forward to Thick Stack Thursday every month. I absolutely love the time of community, and our resident life staff makes the best pancakes.”
Another tradition that is an integral part of Stegenga Hall is that of Steggy Keggy. This annual tradition takes place every fall near the beginning of the school year. It is a chance for the residents of Steg to have fun showing off their creativity in a competitive way, while also offering root beer floats to all on campus who attend the event.
The overall theme for this past semester’s Steggy Keggy was game shows. It featured wings with specific themes such as American Ninja warrior, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud and Survivor. This year, first north came out on top with the theme of Minute to Win It. Next year’s theme for Steggy Keggy will be announced at the Steggenga All Hall meeting, which begins each new school year with the opportunity for another wing to win it all.
When asked what makes this beloved dorm so special, Resident Director Audrey Punt stated, “I think Steg is so special because of the women who call it home. The women buy in to truly making Steg a welcoming home, fostering intentional community along the way. I love the community that develops each year – even though the women change every year. I really appreciate how people can often leave Steg changed because of their time living in an authentic community” As it has for 30 years, may Steg continue to be a space for women to commune for many years to come.
Stegenga Hall has been home to many students over the years. The legacy continues as
memories are made between this special community of women.
