The Ruane Center for the Humanities
The Ruane Center for the Humanities
Saying that Providence College values history is an understatement. Aside from having one of the largest groups of faculty members on campus and being a vital part of the trademark Development of Western Civilization Program, we are one of two academic departments that calls the College’s newest academic building — the 63,000 square-foot Ruane Center for the Humanities — home.
Ruane Center for the Humanities Fast Facts
- 181 rooms
- 172,618 bricks
- 400 tons of steel
- 800 pounds = weight of the St. Thomas Aquinas statue
Architecture and Symbolism
- The Providence College seal appears above the south entrance and on the mantel of the Great Room fireplace.
- The sunburst carving on the shield above the St. Thomas Aquinas statue (as well as the sunburst on the breast of the statue itself) is the traditional symbol of St. Thomas Aquinas going back centuries. The sunburst on the breast of St. Thomas Aquinas is a symbol of his teachings which, themselves illumined by divine truth, bear forth great light for the whole Church.
Learning Spaces
- The round seminar tables are designed in four segments, so that they may be arranged to accommodate seminars, lectures, and small groups, depending on the needs of the class.
- The small intermediate tables in the lower level lecture hall are designed to accommodate small break-out sessions.
- The tower seminar room provides views of 9 campus buildings.
History and Classics Department
Office Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Ruane Center for the Humanities Room 137
401-865-2193
History2@providence.edu
