Tiernan Project collection

The Tiernan Project began in 1974 as a two-year experiment with the goal of creating a sense of community within residential halls. The entire Tiernan building on the Residence Quad of River Campus was reserved for Tiernan Project members and their Residential Life Advisors. Members were selected through an application process organized by a committee of students, Residential Life staff, and Student Life office staff. From its base in Tiernan Hall, Tiernan Project organized social activities for students such as coffeehouses, ice cream socials, and a yoga group. It also created opportunities for students to meet with administration and faculty through dinners and presentations.

A key aspect of Tiernan Project was its emphasis on the Rochester community, in addition to the campus community. One of Tiernan Project’s community-service events was the Halloween Party, for which the group reached out to community centers and shelters, most of which accommodated families in crisis, to bring children to campus for festive activities. These activities included taking part in Scare Fair at Rush Rhees Library, trick-or-treating at residence halls, and enjoying food and games. This event was often co-sponsored by other groups on campus such as Greek organizations or other residence halls.

In the 2003/2004 academic year, Tiernan Project moved from Tiernan Hall to the second floor of Burton Hall. It remained there until its final year in 2014/2015. Members continued to pursue their passion to serve by ending their last semester with one of their signature events, the Spaghetti Dinner. For this annual event, the group hosted underprivileged children at the campus for a spaghetti dinner, activities, and special performances. Additionally, they hosted Kindness Week with other organizations on campus such as D’Lions, Grassroots, and PAWS (Peers for Animal Wellness and Safety) to celebrate International Week for Random Acts of Kindness.