Written by Rob Speed and Jeremy “Milk” Rolle
Photos by Rob Speed
On April 11, Bryan College unveiled its newest addition to its campus: The Reita Hall Octagon.
Named in honor of alumna Reita Hall, The Octagon will serve as a new outdoor location for students to connect, study, celebrate, relax, and host events. While it is a new addition to campus, the history of an octagon-shaped building at Bryan College goes back much farther than 2025.
The Octagon was first constructed in the 1930s. Initially, it housed male students in dormitories with sixteen rooms.
The unveiling included speeches from Dr. Mann, Jeremy Deal, Reita Hall, and photos with the men and women’s basketball teams, to acknowledge Hall’s former experience as a basketball player. The unveiling occurred directly after Dr. Ben Carson’s speech at chapel, amplifying the excitement of the day.
Reita Hall recalled the arrangement of Bryan College in the 1950’s. She said there were only three buildings on campus – a white chapel building (which no longer exists), the administration building and girls’ dormitory (which is now Mercer Hall), and The Octagon.
As the school grew, The Octagon’s role changed, accommodating classrooms and dorms to welcome the expanding student body. However, as the building deteriorated over the decades, it was eventually demolished in the 1970s.
In an interview with President Mann, he discussed the value of creating a feeling of community among students when asked what he remembered most from the previous Octagon.
“The Octagon’s role in fostering community was its most significant aspect,” Mann said. Students may congregate for social gatherings or study sessions, or they may simply unwind.
During the COVID-19 epidemic, the college discussed the concept of recreating the Octagon. In order to give students a secure outside space to congregate, a tent was erected in the same spot as the original Octagon, Dr. Mann said. The idea of a more permanent area where kids might gather and socialize was inspired by this makeshift building.
“This space will open up a variety of possibilities for campus events and day-to-day life,” President Mann said.
With the intention of honoring Bryan College’s past and future, The Octagon will soon finish construction and open to the student population. There are allegedly still facets to be added to the structure, such as a kitchen and speakers, which will make the campus location even more versatile and inviting.
“One of the things that is near and dear to me is education,” Hall explained in her speech at The Octagon’s unveiling. “I’m thankful that the Lord has enabled me to contribute to Bryan and to the further education of young people.”
