Wizards Welcome: Muggles Tolerated as Marshall Dorm Transforms to Hogwarts World

Stepping inside the Marshall Dorm is like stepping into the Hogwarts world of a Harry Potter book. A Harry cut out of the young wizard pointing his magic caster wand greets residents in the dorm foyer, and a door covering resembling the Platform 9 3/4 hangs over an entry door. As you turn down one of the hallways, each entrance is marked with a flag from one of the four houses at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From the Gryffindor house to Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, dorm room door name plates, flags and banners are hung throughout the dorm, transporting residents into another place and time. 

 

“I like how each wing is a different house, since we have four different halls, it works perfectly,” says resident Lily Kling ’26.

 

Each year, the dorm proctors vote on a theme. This year, the Harry Potter theme adds a bit of joy every time the young women who live in Marshall step inside. The transformation is part of a larger effort to make the dorm feel more homey and familiar.

 

“They’re really into the decorations and they really love it,” says Marshall Dorm House Leader Cecelia Stewart.

 

Stewart says it can sometimes be difficult for boarding students to be miles from home and seamlessly transition into dorm life, so small touches like a theme and decorations can make a big difference in helping a St. Stephen’s boarding student feel more comfortable. Marshall dorm is home to 33 residential students representing 11 countries, including the United States.

 

“We really try to make it as homey as we possibly can and these kids are so far away, especially the kids from Saudi Arabia and Asia,” said Stewart. “The air smells different, the food is different, just everything's different and you want them to feel at home and as connected as you can.”

 

Stewart wants students and their parents to be confident their children are in good hands.

 

“I remember what it was like to be that age and I just think: if these were my sons and daughters, how would I want somebody to treat them and love them? And that's how I try to treat them and love them,” said Stewart.