By 1959, under the leadership of Springfield College president Glen Olds, a new science building became the top priority of the campus building program. Estimated cost of the building was put at $350,000 to $400,000. Architectural plans proposed laboratories and demonstration classrooms for chemistry and physics. Additional normal classrooms and offices completed the plans.

Funding for the new facility was provided in large part by Clarence J. Schoo, founder of General Fibre Box Co. of West Springfield. Construction began in early fall of 1960 and was completed in September of 1961. The building was the largest single construction project at Springfield College in recent history. Monson & Mallis Architects of Springfield designed the facility. A. R. Green Contractors of Holyoke was the General Contractor of the projects. Though the building was in continued use since it was completed in September of 1961, it actually was not formally dedicated until October 26, 1963 as the Clarence and Grace Schoo Friendship Hall.

Under the leadership of President Flynn, “Leadership for the 21st Century: the $40 million campaign for Springfield College was launched in the spring of 2005. It is through this campaign that the money was raised for the 5 million dollar renovation that in a way combined old Bemis Hall, now Hickory Hall, with Schoo Hall, creating a modern, state-of-the-art Science Center housing the disciplines of Math, Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Renovations started in May of 2006 and were completed in January of 2007 when the building, now named the Schoo-Bemis Science Center, was opened to students. An official dedication was conducted on September 26, 2007.

Note: for more information on Bemis Hall, now Hickory Hall, see RG125 – Hickory Hall Records

Written by Sheila Thompson, 2013

1959: New Science Building becomes a priority; estimated cost is $350,000 to $400,000

1960: Significant financial support was provided by Clarence J. Schoo, founder of General Fiber Box Co. of West Springfield

1960: Construction was started in early fall of 1960; Munson and Mallis Architects of Springfield design facility

1961: September - Building was opened to students

1963: October 26 – formally dedicated as the Clarence and Grace Schoo Friendship Hall

2006: May - Groundbreaking for 5 million dollar renovation

2007: January – Opening of the Science Center

2007: September 27 – Formal dedication of the new Schoo-Bemis Science Center

Written by Sheila Thompson, 2013