Campus Guide
lyons hall
Lyons Hall
1951
Named after Rev. Charles W. Lyons, SJ, 14th president of Boston College, Lyons Hall is located across the "Quad" from Devlin Hall.
Born in Boston on January 31, 1869, Charles Lyons attended the public schools of the city and graduated from Boston English High School. He entered the Society of Jesus in August 1904 and taught metaphysics at St. Francis Xavier College in New York and Boston College. After serving as president of Gonzaga College in Washington, DC, and St. Joseph's College in Philadelphia, Father Lyons was named president of Boston College in 1914 and served in that capacity until 1919.
As the University was faced with the need for more room after World War II, it was decided to construct a building on the west side of the campus, between Gasson Hall and Fulton Hall. Built in the Gothic style, Lyons Hall was completed in July 1951, with most of the classrooms large enough to accommodate "philosophy classes." Over time, however, much of the space has been used for offices. The Office of Student Services is located on the first floor; the second floor houses the Communication Department, as well as several foreign-language departments and their laboratories. The Black Studies Program is located on the third floor, while the Music Department and the University Chorale occupy the fourth floor. Lyons Hall also boasts a cafeteria in the basement large enough to seat 500 students.