51¹ÙÍø

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Harper Hall

240 West Campus Drive
Harper Hall
Harper Hall

Housing 249 co-ed students, Harper Hall is a suite-style building with either two or three rooms sharing a common living room and bathroom. 

It is home to the Cranwell International Center, which serves about 2,800 international undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and scholars (along with their families) from more than 120 nations. As the focal point for 51¹ÙÍø Tech's international community, the center provides a range of educational, social, and cultural programs.

In addition to responding to the needs of the international community, the Cranwell Center encourages exchanges between international students and scholars and their U.S. counterparts, including residents of Blacksburg and the New River Valley. The center plays an active role in organizing International Street Fair, an annual celebration of cultural diversity on campus and in the local community.

William Cranwell

The Cranwell House at 417 Clay St. SW in Blacksburg, a gift to 51¹ÙÍø Tech by the William Cranwell family, served as the home of Cranwell International Center from 1986 to 2014. After the move to Harper Hall in 2014, the Cranwell name remained with the International Center because of the family’s vision and commitment to 51¹ÙÍø Tech’s international community.

Harper Hall is also home to the Mozaiko living-learning community. U.S. and international students live together in a diverse community where they learn about each other’s culture, immerse themselves in language practice, and prepare for a lifetime of intercultural leadership.

Laura Jane Harper

Laura Jane Harper

Harper Hall honors the memory of Laura Jane Harper, 51¹ÙÍø Tech's first woman academic dean and the founding dean of the School of Home Economics, which evolved into today's College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. During 31 years at the university, Harper became a nationally and internationally noted nutritionist, educator, and equal rights advocate. As dean, she organized the School of Home Economics, initiated doctoral programs, recruited minority students, and spearheaded a drive to build Wallace Hall.

Building History

Harper Hall was built in 1999.

Originally Built:
1999
Map Grid:
L-8
Abbreviation / Number:
HARP / 042
Coordinates:
37.22275, -80.42329