YDS dedicates new entrance hall

On April 25, YDS dedicated its newly remodeled entrance hall and celebrated the donors whose support made it possible: Sam Croll ’75 M.A.R. and his wife, Ann Croll.

A new plaque marks the opening of the hall, bearing the inscription “Croll Family Entrance Hall: Gift of Samuel W. Croll III ’75 M.A.R. and Ann G. Croll.”

Yale President Peter Salovey, the YDS Dean’s Advisory Council, and members of the Croll family and YDS senior staff joined Dean Greg Sterling at the dedication.

Sterling thanked the Crolls for their support and celebrated the transformation of the entrance hall, which features a more open design and stately columns and provides a vastly improved arrival experience for all who come to the Divinity School.

“First impressions matter,” Sterling told the crowd. “We are very grateful that Sam and Ann Croll have enabled us to transform what was once a side door at best and make it a true main entrance … a beautiful entrance which is intended to welcome all.”

The entrance hall project is a first stage in the transformation of the YDS Quad taking place through the construction of the Living Village on the School’s former parking lot—a regenerative housing complex that will be the largest residential living building on any university campus.

President Salovey joined in thanking the Crolls and celebrated the quality of the remodeled space.

“Guided by Dean Sterling’s vision to have a grand entrance more befitting of the school’s history and distinction, this magnificent space will greet future ministers, scholars, and theologically minded practitioners as they prepare for lives of leadership and service,” Salovey said.