The Saint Michael’s College cupola, which formerly stood atop Founders Hall, in May 2021 after its removal. (Photo by Jerry Swope.)
Vermont Business Magazine The Saint Michael’s College cupola – the most recognizable symbol used to represent the school – has returned to campus today to be placed upon a new pedestal.
Construction on the cupola’s new site began in September and is ongoing.
The cupola formerly adorned Founders Hall, the oldest building on campus, for more than a century before the building was taken down in May 2021. After considerable study, the College had determined that bringing Founders Hall up to modern standards would be too costly. The cupola, however, was able to be saved.
“The cupola holds immense historical and sentimental significance for the Saint Michael’s community,” said College President Lorraine Sterritt. “We are thrilled to be welcoming home this iconic structure to grace our campus once again.”
The cupola will be the centerpiece of an outdoor gathering space in the heart of Saint Michael’s campus – a more prominent location than where Founders Hall once stood. It will be surrounded by a semi-circle sitting area and berms, and part of the space will serve as an outdoor classroom. The site will have power with convenience outlets, and it will be in range of campus Wi-Fi. Walkways to the cupola’s new home were built and connected to existing walkways.
Since its removal, the cupola has been undergoing restoration at Watershed Construction in Berlin. Restorers replaced the rotted wood while saving about 75% of the original wood, painted the wood its original white color, and topped the hexagonal structure with a new copper roof. Without the cross on top, the cupola measures 14 feet high and 11 feet across.
The Saint Michael’s College cupola removal. Courtesy Saint Michael’s College.
About Saint Michael’s College
Saint Michael's College, founded on principles of social justice and leading lives of purpose and consequence, is a selective, Catholic college just outside Burlington, Vermont, one of the country's best college towns. Located between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, our closely connected community guarantees housing all four years and delivers internationally respected liberal arts together with an innovative Purposeful Learning Program, preparing students for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. Young adults here grow intellectually, socially, and morally, learning to be responsible for themselves, each other, and their world.
10.18.2022. COLCHESTER, VT – Saint Michael’s College