Hodson Hall

Just one glance at the activities calendar at Hodson makes it clear that, when it comes to competition, these guys don’t mess around. Hodson is well known for their “Evil Russian” competition, bench-pressing competition, and “Beard Month”— where residents don’t shave for all of February - concluding when judges from Hodson’s sister hall (Evans) award prizes for different categories of beards.

Life in Hodson isn’t just about competition, though; what really makes the hall great is the men who live there. Because it’s a home for freshmen and upperclassmen alike, Hodson has a great mix of enthusiasm and experience. In addition, Hodson’s live-in leadership—including a Resident Director (RD), a staff of Resident Assistants (RA’s), a Resident Chaplain, Events Coordinator, Outreach Coordinator, and Diversity Coordinator —is committed to building an alive, exciting atmosphere overall. Beyond spearheading the many all-hall events, these men offer general direction and spiritual guidance to Hodson’s 206 residents. They offer weekly Bible Studies on each unit, lead various book studies, and bring in outside speakers to talk about significant issues and concerns—from relationships and pornography to masculinity and Truth.

Like a few other halls on campus, Hodson’s rooms are built in a modified “S” shape. This creates two distinct sides, giving students more options than typical college dorms offer. Roommates in the hall can either keep their belongings separate, or they can combine their things to make one side of their room a sleeping area and one side a living area. There are no community bathrooms in Hodson because it’s arranged in suites, where two rooms share a bathroom between them.* Additionally, all rooms are fully carpeted and furnished, with individualized heating/cooling controls, high-speed Internet access, and an optional cable TV connection.

Completed in 1996, Hodson offers laundry facilities on both wings of every floor. Off the main lobby of the hall, residents can make use of a hall kitchen, a group meeting area, a chapel, a computer lab, and a front desk stocked with snacks and beverages available for purchase. Lobby games include foosball, foursquare, darts, and ping pong, and there’s a TV lounge decorated in vintage 60’s style—with a record player, an organ, and shag carpet to boot.

Along with Evans, Carmin, and Kem Halls, Hodson overlooks a large lawn, a full-size lighted basketball court, and two sand volleyball courts. In late fall and early spring, this area comes alive with touch football, pick-up basketball games, Intramural competitions, and student life in general.

*The exception to this is a large single-unit room on each unit that has its own bathroom and houses four residents.

An IWU Namesake:

Hodson Hall is named in honor of university benefactors Arthur and Nelle Hodson. Mr. Hodson is currently a member of the IWU Citizen’s Advisory Council.

GETTING THERE:

Hodson Hall, 535 East 44th Street
Hodson Hall is located on the northeast corner of South Race Street and East 44th Street, which is south of the Student Center, between Evans Hall and Cox Court.

From the intersection of East 38th Street and South Washington Street, proceed south on Washington Street to East 44th Street. Turn left (east), and Hodson is the last residence hall on the left.

Parking:

Residents and visitors may park in the lots along 44th Street, or in the large lot near the Performing Arts Center.