Soon after he arrived at Franklin & Marshall College in 2002, former President John A. Fry sought to create what he called "third spaces" on campus—a set of small communities where faculty and students would gather to grow and discover beyond the classroom and build a lifelong connection with the College.
In 2005, that vision came to fruition with the launch of the College Houses, which continue to be a hallmark of the F&M experience, integrating residential, intellectual and social life.
Franklin & Marshall this fall is recognizing Fry's legacy and contributions to the formation of the Houses with the "John A. Fry College House Green," a residential quadrangle bordered by the four original College Houses: Ware, Bonchek, Brooks and Weis. The final piece of the green was installed this summer: a bronze plaque and a garden with flagstones and bricks, benches and plants.
"The John A. Fry College House Green will serve as a reminder for generations to come of the strong foundation our College Houses provide for our students, from the time they arrive on campus well into their lives as alumni," F&M President Daniel R. Porterfield said. "President Fry had the foresight to see that creating small, intimate communities within the College, and combining the residential and academic experience, would help us fulfill our mission to offer students supportive and engaged learning communities befitting our commitment to academic excellence."