Kem Hall

With its distinct layout and inventive design, Kem Hall encourages smaller, close-knit communities of residents on the IWU campus. A next-door twin to men’s residence Scripture Hall, Kem is divided into suites accommodating four or eight students each. Every suite is built around a large central living area and has bedrooms and a bathroom along the sides. This setup promotes relationship-building among residents without eliminating privacy—students live in community but have an extra space where they can talk on the phone, spend time with friends, or just relax without disturbing their roommate. Other unique features in the Hall, including high ceilings and walk-in closets, help to create a cozy, spacious living environment for the 194 women who call Kem "home."

Along with a live-in Resident Director (RD), Kem's hall leadership includes a staff of Resident Assistants (RA’s), a Resident Chaplain, and Residence Hall Association members. Individually and as a group, these women steer the course of their community, welcoming new students into the Hall’s sisterhood and helping each Kem woman to feel like a valued part of the whole. They do this by building relationships with students, planning activities, and arranging programs that will support and enhance the lives of residents. Recent all-Hall events include a Thanksgiving dinner, Spirit Week, and “Teaching Tuesday’s” – where residents can learn important life skills that they will need after college.

Because each of Kem’s four floors has its own community areas and study rooms, there is little need for a traditional dorm lobby area in Kem. Instead, at its main entrance, students and guests are greeted with a fireplace, a front desk, and a large “bistro” kitchen available for student use. Complete with couches, chairs, and a TV, this spot is ideal for cooking, serving, or entertaining groups. Residents can also make use of the nearby computer lab, leadership development area, and prayer chapel. In addition, snacks are available for purchase at the front desk, and there’s a workout room equipped with a treadmill, elliptical trainer, step machine, stationary bike, and TV.

Built in 2001, Kem Hall is fully carpeted and furnished. All suites include individual heating and air conditioning units, Internet access for each student, and optional cable TV connections. Laundry facilities are available on each floor throughout the residence hall.

The majority of women in Kem Hall are upper class students, with freshmen comprising about 25 percent of the occupancy.

An IWU Namesake

Kem Hall is named in honor of Phil and Evelyn Kem. Neither Phil nor Evelyn has any formal connection to IWU; in fact, neither of them went to college. They delight, however, in helping to provide the opportunity for young people to get an education. In fact, they’ve established scholarships at three Christian colleges and sustain them through annual contributions.

GETTING THERE:

Kem Hall, 4303 South Wigger Street
Kem Hall is located at the center of IWU's campus. It is east of the Maxwell Center and west of Carmin Hall, north of Evans Hall and south of Scripture Hall.

From the intersection of East 38th and South Washington Streets, head south on Washington for 8 short blocks. Enter campus just before 44th Street by turning left onto University Boulevard (name changes to East 44th Street at first stop sign). Continue east to the second stop sign, which is Wigger Street. Turn left (north) here and follow the drive along the west side of Evans Hall. Proceed one hundred yards, and on your right will be a helix drive that takes you to the main entrance of Kem Hall.

Parking:

Residents and guests may park in the large lot west of Scripture, Kem, and Evans Halls.