Lawrence Hall at Behrend

As a traditional residence hall, Lawrence Hall offers double rooms and a common bathroom on each wing. Lawrence Hall was constructed in 1971, renovated in 2004, and houses 210 students. Lawrence Hall is named after the United States Brig of War, launched on June 25, 1813, and was originally selected as Commodore Perry's flagship. Lieutenant John Yarnall of Pennsylvania commanded the Lawrence. The Lawrence was so badly damaged during the battle that it became completely disabled, and then Perry had to board the Niagara. Perry won the battle fifteen minutes later, at which time he coined the phrase "We have met the enemy, and they are ours..." James Lawrence, for whom the Brig of War is named after, made the phrase "don't give up the ship" famous. He uttered the phrase as he was dying from his injuries on the U.S.S. Chesapeake on June 1, 1813.