0

Houghton University Celebrates Completion of East Hall Transformation

October 7, 2026

$11.6 Million Renovation Project Brings New Life to The University’s Oldest, Largest Residence Hall

On October 3, 2026, during Homecoming & Family Weekend, Houghton University dedicated the newly renovated East Hall, celebrating the completion of the $11.6 million donor-funded residence hall renewal project.

Made possible by a transformational $10.4 million lead gift from Donald and Beverly (Roberts ’56) Greene, Houghton University completed the comprehensive 15-month renovation of the 75-year-old building, the university’s largest residence hall. The project was inclusive of both interior and exterior spaces, including the creation of a new front entrance, circular drop-off drive and Sastic Courtyard, where the dedication ceremony was held.

“Beverly and I are so thrilled that we were able to not only meet the needs of and enhance the experience for today’s students, but also generations of future women who will call East Hall home,” Donald Greene said. “Our heart’s desire for these young women is they will encounter Christ, and their lives will be forever changed.”

Interior renovations focused on accessibility and modernization, including the installation of a centralized elevator in the renovated Gillette Lounge, updated dorm rooms, bathrooms, lounges and kitchens on all four floors. The Student Health Center was also modernized during this project.

“This project has and will transform our residential student experience for years to come,” said Dr. Bill Burrichter ’92, Vice President for Student Life. “We are grateful to the Greenes, the Sastics and the countless donors who sacrificially provided the resources and prayer that made this project possible.”

“This project servs as a tangible act of care for our students,” reflected Dr. Katie Breitigan ’09, Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life and Housing. “We’re grateful to have completed the East Hall renovations that allow the women of East to make memories in a space that holds so many meaningful moments for those who came before us.”

Previously known as Gillette Hall, the building returned to its original name of East Hall upon completion of the project, at the request of Mrs. Greene who resided in East Hall as a student in the 1950s. To preserve the legacy of professor Dr. Frieda Gillette, the main floor lounge was named Gillette Lounge in her honor and features a portrait of one of Houghton’s most historically prominent women. The exterior Sastic Courtyard honors the generosity of Drs. Lois (Morgan) and Jonathan Sastic, both graduates from the Class of 1975, whose gifts reflect their longstanding commitment to enhancing the student experience.

“The newly renovated East Hall provides an updated, beautiful living and learning environment for Houghton women today and for years to come,” President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. said. “We give God the glory for His continued provision through the extraordinary generosity of the Greenes, Sastics, and others. We could not be more grateful.”

During the dedication ceremony, Houghton leadership recognized partners who played significant roles in this massive renovation effort. Special thanks was given to the construction team which included Kinley Contractors, CPL architecture, engineering and interior design, DCG Development, and Sodexo.

The renewal of East Hall serves as the lead capital project in Houghton’s broader efforts to revitalize residence facilities across campus during COURAGEOUS: The Campaign to Equip Fearless Scholar-Servants. COURAGEOUS is Houghton University’s $83M comprehensive campaign built on the pillars of Pursing Christ-Centered Excellence, Investing in Places and Spaces, and Solidifying Your Legacy Through Houghton.

Questions about COURAGEOUS can be directed to the Houghton University Office of Advancement.

Recent Articles