Ryan Hall stands tall at the end of West Quad right by the bookstore, housing around 250 girls across 6 sections. It was built in 2009, specifically with students with disabilities in mind. The residents are called Wildcats and can often be seen sporting their signature aqua, navy, and white.
Ryan has a plethora of events to foster community. Perhaps the most well-known is FJ’s every Tuesday, when Father Joe Carey opens up his kitchen for students to bake a bunch of treats, which are served after hall council later that night. There is always a huge line snaking down the hallway and stairs, giving the girls (and any guests!) plenty of time to chat. On Thursday mornings the incredibly kind rector, Libbie Steiner, hosts “Libbie’s Coffeehouse” where Wildcats can pop in or stick around for coffee, bagels, and conversation. Hall staff organizes “Girls Night In” on weekend nights aimed at building a stronger community through movie watches, spa nights, and crafting.
Mass is regularly held in the beautiful St. Anne Chapel on Sundays and Wednesday, dubbed Waffle Wednesday for the Belgian waffles served afterwards. Ryan’s caring heart can also be found in their devotion to their signature charity, Whirlwind Wheelchair International. All of their fundraising events benefit this organization, including the illustrious annual Wheelchair Basketball tournament, in which groups of five play basketball while, you guessed it, in wheelchairs. It is as cool as it sounds, and it turns out you don’t need much athletic skill to have a good time (speaking from personal experience).
The Ryan Wildcats have a generous and welcoming spirit, which comes through in things as big as their high-energy ROAR Week or as small as bumping into a fellow Wildcat and being asked about your day with a smile (and then gently prodded to say how you really are)