Namesake - Bemis Lawrence served as Vice-Chairman of Western’s Board of Regents from 1955 to 1966. He was born December 1, 1914 in Tompkinsville, KY. Lawrence was awarded his A.B. degree from Western in 1936 and earned the Bachelor of Laws degree in 1940 at the University Of Louisville Jefferson School Of Law. He was the County Commissioner of Jefferson County Fiscal Court, President-elect of the Louisville Bar Association, and taught Real Estate Law at the University of Louisville.

History - Constructed in conjunction with Barnes-Campbell. Bemis Lawrence was dedicated on October 14, 1967. The 9 story men’s dormitory was equipped with air-conditioning, self-service elevators, a spacious lobby and waiting areas, and apartments for a director and an assistant director. Bemis Lawrence housed 392 men. Each room accommodated 2 students.

Additions - 2002- created 12 new rooms taking total to 374

Sources - Board of Regents Meetings March 3, 1965 & August 4, 1966

College Heights Herald - 1967 October 14, p. 9
1974 February 8, p. 5; December 3, p. 2
1978 February 7, p. 3; March 5, p. 3
1987 January 27, p. 21
1989 April 18, p. 7; October 3, p. 1
1990 April 24, p. 10A
1991 March 7, p. 1
1999 October 19, p. 1; October 26, p. 4; November 18, p. 3
2001 October 25, p. 1

Vertical File - Available in Harrison-Baird Reading Room

Researched and written by Jenna Hawkins, 2008