Trinity Western University has the largest incoming class of first year students in 13 years. This is the latest marker of unprecedented growth and development at TWU. On Friday, November 2, the university held a dedication ceremony for Jacobson Hall – TWU’s second new student residence to open in two years to accommodate the rapid increase in students on the Langley campus.
“The development of these two major building initiatives is symbolic of the extraordinary growth we’re experiencing as more students than ever are seeking the transformational experience of attending Trinity Western University. The addition of this new residence building is concrete evidence of our growing student enrolment,” says TWU President Bob Kuhn.
Jacobson Hall is a 220-bed student residence and Canada’s first five-storey building of its kind. Constructed by B.C.-based company Metric Modular, it is built using modular building design and construction to maximize construction quality and minimize both construction time and disruption to campus life.
Langley Township Mayor Jack Froese and MP Mark Warawa provided remarks at the building dedication, along with TWU leadership staff, key donors and representatives from Metric Modular.
Jacobson Hall provides sought after additional student lounges and study spaces on campus; it houses primarily third- and fourth-year students.
The construction of this residence was made possible by investments from key supporters including a significant financial lead-gift from the Jacobson family. TWU approached the Jacobson family to consider a naming opportunity in recognition of their years of contribution.
Four generations of the family have been part of the University as founding donors, students, parents, alumni, board members and supporters.
“This property allows TWU to be competitive with our peers by providing upscale residential options, which is in high demand by our students on campus,” says Scott Fehrenbacher, TWU Senior Vice President External Relations.
In 2017-2018 the university opened Skidmore Hall, which added 130 on-campus accommodation spots for students. It also opened a new café and expanded the size of the campus bookstore to better meet student needs and plan for continued growth.
Prior to last year, the university’s 900 residence beds were filled, and some double-occupancy rooms were converted into triple-occupancy rooms to meet demand. Still, some upper year students were turned away from on-campus housing.
With the addition of a satellite campus in Richmond, B.C. in 2016, and new residence halls in 2017 and 2018 at the Langley campus, the university is delivering on its commitment to meet demand and rise to the challenge of "inspiring hearts and minds.”