The University’s two newest residence halls, each named in honor of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, were dedicated Sept. 16 in special Constitution Day ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Thomas McKean Hall and James Smith Hall, which opened to students during fall semester, are located on UD’s Laird Campus.

The two 250-bed, state-of-the-art units are part of a $72 million project that includes the 500-bed George Read Hall, which opened in August 2005. The residence halls are named for the three signers of the Declaration of Independence who were students of the Rev. Francis Alison in the first class of the New London Academy, to which UD traces its origins.

The three Georgian-style residence halls boast architectural features similar to buildings on The Green. The new buildings replace the motel-style Pencader complex.

At the dedication, Jonathan Russ, assistant professor of history, spoke about the historical importance of both McKean and Smith.

Smith, who was born in Ireland, emigrated as a child with his family to Pennsylvania in 1730 and became a successful lawyer. He became the delegate for York County, Pa., and his courage and patriotism despite rising British tensions led him to the Pennsylvania Constitutional convention, Russ said. In 1776, Smith was elected to the Continental Congress, which discussed and issued the Declaration of Independence.

“Although the Pennsylvania delegation was split on the issue of independence from Great Britain, Smith never wavered in his desire for liberty and the rule of just law,” Russ said.

McKean also practiced law and represented New Castle in the Delaware Assembly. He participated in the Stamp Act Congress in 1765 and was chosen to serve as speaker of the Delaware Assembly in 1772 and as one of three delegates to the Continental Congress in 1776. After signing the Declaration of Independence, McKean went on to serve as president of Delaware (a position later known as governor) in 1777, chief justice of Pennsylvania from 1777-99 and governor of Pennsylvania from 1799-1808.

“Without question, the men in whose memory these buildings are being dedicated today set high standards for those who will come to call these structures home,” Russ said. “They applied the skills they learned from Dr. Francis Alison and dedicated their talents to the service of their fellow citizens.”