Gasson Hall
Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows are distinguishing characteristics of Boston College’s iconic Gasson Hall. Recently, however, the structure’s windows drew attention of a different sort. A pane of glass fell from a third-floor window frame last Monday at about 12:55pm, shattering on the ground below and sending shards of broken glass toward nearby students.
According to Mike Jednak, the Director of Facilities Services at Boston College, “A pane of glass dislodged from one of the windows on the third floor. The window has been repaired by our carpenters, and all of the windows in the building have been checked.”
The window under investigation is located on the side of Gasson Hall facing the Academic Quad, above the crosswalk closest to Devlin Hall. According to Derek Lo, A&S ’12, there was “a loud ‘pop,’” which drew the attention of students walking nearby.
Lo was leaving his 12 o’clock class in Gasson Hall when, hearing the noise, he turned to see the glass fall and shatter just 10 feet from where he stood, sending small shards soaring into the air.
“I instinctively raised my left hand to cover my face and turned toward the right. I felt pieces of glass fall on my head, jacket, and on my neck.”
Surprised, but feeling fine, Lo continued to his next class. There, he shook small pieces of broken glass from his jacket and clothing. He also noticed three cuts on his neck resembling paper-cuts. Lo decided not to file a report with BC police or seek medical treatment from University Health Services.
“I was happier to escape serious injury and continue on my way,” he says. “The incident happened right at a time when people were changing classes or going to lunch. I suspect if anyone had been under the falling plate of glass, he or she would have suffered significant injury.”
Fortunately, the glass was quickly removed that afternoon, with the exception of some small shards in the grass. All shards have since been eliminated, and the window has been replaced. No further incidents have been reported.
According to Boston College’s Emergency Preparedness website, the University provides a number of resources in the event of an emergency or other situation, maintaining a fully-trained police force, around-the-clock medical attention, and emergency awareness plans. Students are reminded to register their cell phones with the University to receive emergency notifications, and to always remain alert. If an emergency is witnessed, call the BC Police, (617) 552-4444.
Facing renovations later this year, Gasson Hall is symbolic of Boston College’s history and tradition. Named after Thomas I. Gasson, SJ, Boston College’s 13th president, the building is nearly a century old. It was the first building constructed on Boston College’s Chestnut Hill campus, dedicated in 1913. With its timely restoration, the University hopes to revitalize and preserve this landmark.
However, it is evident that the modifications are not just for aesthetic value, as the building is in need of structural repairs as well. According to Jednak, window replacements will be among the renovations.
