Stouffer College House: In-Depth
Stouffer Hall: 3702 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6026
Mayer Hall: 3817 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6101
House Office: 215.573.8473
http://stouffer.house.upenn.edu
"Nothing comes closer to home"
What is it like living in STOUFFER COLLEGE HOUSE?
It’s waking up one morning and lacing up your favorite sneakers, thinking, "Good thing I'm playing kickball today. I ate way too many cookies last night at Amy and Phil's.” Phil is your Faculty Master and his wife Amy is Associate Master; you see a lot of them, their sons and their big, sweet dogs. They bake fresh cookies on Wednesday nights and everyone goes to their apartment.
Later, you're playing against Rodin in kickball. Since Stouffer is the winningest House in the College House Cup competition, serious pride is at stake. After that victory, you're hanging out in the lounge. Someone is playing the piano and others are planning a late night Settlers of Catan session. You're thinking back to last week’s cookout on the patio when you helped the four preschoolers who live in the House shoot hoops. At dinner, you join House Fellows Juan and Melissa to practice your Español.
Back in your single, you’re thinking about Steering (the all-resident House Council) meeting next week and whether you'll run for treasurer. You're still not sure what a wyvern is, or why it's the symbol of your College House, but you really do like the House motto Nihil Domo Similius, meaning "Nothing comes closer to home,” and you’re thinking, “That’s right!”
This isn't just your College House. It’s your home. The House is made up of Stouffer Hall and Mayer Hall, both on Spruce Street. Stouffer Hall is divided into six adjoining sections of approximately 22 rooms each, mostly singles. Mayer Hall has roomy apartments, each with its own bathroom and kitchenette. In both buildings, rooms are seasonally air-conditioned — in fact, Stouffer is the only small House with air-conditioned student rooms. We also have foosball and pool tables, air hockey, ping-pong, and exercise equipment.
Stouffer is obviously unique. Almost all of our programs are entirely free for residents, whether it is a ticket to see the Phillies or a tour at The Franklin Institute. Students legendarily stick with Stouffer and our fiercely loyal alums come back to visit every year. Once a Stoufferite, always a Stoufferite.
"I can honestly say that I have two homes. The first is where my family lives, where I grew up. The second is here, in Stouffer. In just two short years, this community has become my family at Penn and I can’t imagine being anywhere else." - Paul Marett
Coat of Arms and House Motto: The House motto, Nihil Domo Similius, which translates as "Nothing Comes Closer to Home," honors the Stouffer family and reflects the residents' legendary loyalty to the House.
"Cookies at Nichols. Weekly Wednesday Burgers. Student-Run Steering. Philadelphia Speaker Series. Right above Wawa. AC. Freshmen learn from upperclassmen. There are a ton of reasons to love Stouffer, but when I was a freshman, I chose Stouffer for two reasons: 1) Highest retention rate, 2) 5-time College House Cup intramural champions." -Jacob Dinkel, Senior
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT US
- - One of the strongest student-driven House Councils on campus
- - Only small House with air-conditioned student rooms
- - First year students live together and learn from upperclassmen
- - Stoufferites tend to love it so much they stay all 4 years
(Anonymous) Student Quotes from past College House Surveys
"Cookies [Night] at Phil Nichols' (our Faculty Master) every Wednesday. Nothing tops it."
"I liked the atmosphere of Stouffer. It's a bit quieter than the Quad and everyone is extremely friendly. There's such a tight community here, and the faculty/staff are some of the kindest, most welcoming people I've met."
"A lot of pride for those living in Stouffer. Very strong community, although it can be intimidating for outsiders or new, non-freshmen residents."
"Stouffer College House (Stouffer Hall) has the best sense of community that I have ever been involved in. I just transferred this year, and I have never felt so close with a group of residents ever. I absolutely love the atmosphere that Stouffer provides and the pride that residents feel to live here. This is the best living arrangement that I have ever had."
"On the whole, people are kind and accepting -- and on the whole, they know each other by name. There's a casual atmosphere, but it isn't so casual that it detracts from study. Mostly, it feels comfortable."
"College House brochures weren't kidding about Stouffer having the best community; I can see the reason behind the 98% retention rate. I am moving to Mayer Hall to live in an apartment but I actually like the friendly environment in Stouffer Hall better."
"There are many activities throughout the week to bring residents of all ages together. It is nice to have the mix of classes and interaction with the staff."
"Stouffer residents really love the community and most are involved in community-run events. The positive energy is really contagious."
"This is my second year in Stouffer and I love it, I literally couldn't imagine living anywhere else on campus but here and finding such a great atmosphere. Stouffer is so much of a home rather than a College House."
"Stouffer is the only place I see myself being on campus. It's like home; I love all the people and the staff; it's a great place to work, to relax, to try new things or show off your own talents. Stouffer has been a huge part of my experience here at Penn, of me growing as a student and as a person, and I have pride to be a Penn Quaker and a Stouffer Wyvern."
"Most of the staff is really supportive and receptive to talking about anything— personal, professional, academic concerns. I really appreciate that."
"Stouffer is a very tight community! I am especially very fond of the listserv. Any time someone in the House needs superglue, crutches, crayons, or a construction helmet, all they have to do is e-mail the house and a fellow Stouffer resident will be sure to help out!"
"I do love all the events as well as my close proximity to friends and having a single room to myself."
Staff in Residence
Faculty Master |
Prof. Philip Nichols |
 |
Associate Master |
Ms. Amy Nichols |
|
House Dean |
Ms. Amanda Atkinson |
 |
College House Fellow |
Dr. Juan Jiménez |
 |
College House Fellow |
Dr. Annette Yoshiko Reed |
 |
House Coordinator |
Sarah Davis |
Population
Total number of residents: 304
Freshmen in residence: 96
Number of GAs: 10
Roomtypes
Mayer Hall: Mostly apartment style, with efficiencies, 1 and/or bedroom apartments with living room, bath, and most with kitchen or kitchenette. Freshmen may select 1 bedroom triple apartments.
Stouffer Hall: Traditional dormitory style, with singles, doubles, or triple rooms. Freshmen may select either singles or doubles.
Dining Location
Class of 1920 Commons
