Branner Hall

Branner Hall is a dorm at Stanford University, named for former University President John Casper Branner. It is currently the largest all-freshman dorm on Stanford's campus and houses more than 160 freshman every year.

History and Alumni
Branner has functioned as everything from an all male dorm to an all female dorm, an all freshman dorm to a four class dorm since it was originally founded. It has housed many notable alumni including former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and LA times editorialist Joel Stein. Through its history, Branner has amassed many traditions unique to Branner and has made a unique name for itself on Stanford's campus.

Renown on Campus
In its history, Branner has slowly become both the most loved and hated dorms on campus. At most school events, all other freshman dorms will join in a cheer yelling "Branner Sucks!" as loudly as they can. In response, Branner yells back, "You're Just Jealous."

Renovation
In 2003, Branner underwent a $20 million restoration, renovating most of the rooms and the dining hall. Also renovated were the Branner Library, the basement study rooms, and the lounge. The library offers students a quiet place to study as to the basement study rooms. The lounge offers a relaxing area to hang out and also boasts a Steinway Grand Piano.

Recent Controversy
Due to complaints perpetrated by Vice Provost John Bravman and Professor Eric Roberts that Branner hall "has a very negative character," many are arguing that Branner be "repurposed" into a four class dorm. Branner has developed a reputation over the years as a more social dorm and a dorm that parties more and this has influenced some of the negative views by administrators like Bravman. Former resident fellow Kennell Jackson Jr. concedes that, "Branner is not a place where fun goes to die." But Jackson also argues that "outsiders—like Roberts and Bravman—swallow these tall tales of wild nights in Branner," and that Branner is much less crazy than its reputation. Jackson's comments seem to have made little effect however, and rumors have spread throughout campus that Branner will become an upper class dorm within the next decade.

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