Artist and Teacher, Ada Bertha Caldwell, was born on the 29th of September 1869 in Bryan, Ohio. She grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and with the goal of being an artist and teacher she attended the University of Nebraska for two years. She followed these studies for four years at the Art Institute of Chicago, graduating in 1897.

Her teaching career began at Yankton College (1898-1899) and continued for over three decades at South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, Brookings (1899-1936). Caldwell taught the state’s most well-known artist Harvey Dunn. Out of respect for his gifted teacher and mentor Dunn gave SDSU a few paintings in appreciation, which were displayed in the student union before the construction of the South Dakota Memorial Art Center, now known as the South Dakota Art Museum. In addition to Dunn, other Caldwell students that went on to be well known artists include Kate Kendall Miller and sculptor Gilbert Risvold; Miller produced the statue of the Indian Tetonkaha located in the Sylvan Theatre and Risvold’s bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln is the focal point of the marble foyer of Lincoln Music Hall.

Caldwell’s influence extended outside of classroom instruction in the arts as reflected in her efforts in the creation of the Sylvan Theatre and her encouragement of the development of the Campus Grove and the construction of the first student union which is now Pugsley Hall.

Caldwell hall has the same moveable/loftable furniture that is found in all of the halls with the exception of the Wecota Annex.  This allows residents to set up their room, and suite if four people pick a suite together, however they would like, with options such as one room for studying and one for sleeping.  This setup requires and additional agreement which can be found below.

Residents within Caldwell share their bathroom between them and the room next door, making it four people to one bathroom.  Click here to see a floor plan.  Cleaning these bathrooms is the responsibility of the residents.  This is a requirement.  Bathrooms are inspected tri-weekly, more information on this can be found below.

The new design of Caldwell also incorporated many other features.  These amenities include central air, individual suite thermostats, and laundry facilities on each floor.

The current rate difference for the 2005-2006 school year for Caldwell Hall is $408.55 per semester higher than a standard double.  The Board of Regents will set the rate for 2006-07 at their meeting in March.  This information will be published as soon as it is available.

If you are interested in staying in Caldwell Hall please contact the Coordinator of Housing Assignments at the Department’s Central office.  The building's staff includes Community Assistants (CA) living on each wing (house), and a full-time, live-in professional Residence Hall Director (RHD) that lives in an apartment on first floor. Besides these live-in staff there is a team of department custodian and maintenance staff members that strive to keep Caldwell Hall a clean and safe living learning community.

Additional Documents about Caldwell Hall:

Bathroom Inspection Form

Suite Occupancy Agreement

Suite Bill of Rights

Suite Community Living Standards

All of these documents are in Adobe Acrobat format.

Is there a computer lab in the hall?   No, however there are computer labs in Larson Concourse, NFA, and Briggs Library – all a short walk away.

How large are the rooms?  Rooms are 12” wide by 16” from door to outside wall.

Are there study areas in the hall?  Yes. Each house has a study lounge located in the middle of the house across from the laundry room(2 per floor). There is also study space in our main lobby area.

What is the closest dining facility to Caldwell Hall?   The building is closest to Larson Commons and it is also within easy walking distance to the Market in the Union. Larson Commons is also home to one of the campus C-stores.

What will my room look like?  Residents may add their personalities to their rooms by adding pictures, posters, plants, etc. to their rooms. However, they should check the Residence Hall Handbook (RHH) to be sure what they have planned does not violate any policies and guidelines or damages the room or it’s furnishings. Each room is equipped with two lofted beds, two dressers, two desks, and two desk chairs. Vertical blinds adorn the windows and each room has a sink and mirror located next to the bathroom door. Each bathroom has four towel bars, a toilet, and shower.  For some photos of the interior of the hall and photos of the rooms as they will look when you arrive - click here.

Can I bring my own furniture?  Yes. Residents may bring some of their own furniture as described in the Residence Hall Handbook (RHH). Since the Department of Residential Life has furnished the room with loftable beds the residents of Caldwell Hall may not rent or build their own lofts. While you may bring your own furniture, all furniture provided to you must remain in the room for the entirety of the year.

What is the mailing address?  The mailing address for Caldwell residents is as follows:

If you have any other questions, please check the General Questions and Answer Section of these web pages or contact the at 605-688-5148.