Brescia University has acquired seven brownstone homes, just a short walk from campus, to better meet the needs and ease the transition of graduate students. Thanks to a transformative $1.8 million gift from Steve and Sandy Hayden of Owensboro the project will be available in the fall of 2026 for graduate students as well as incoming juniors and seniors committed to continuing their education at Brescia after graduation.
With this generous financial support, Brescia announces the creation of Hayden Commons at Brescia University, a unique living-learning community designed to enhance academic success and foster a sense of belonging among students.
The Commons will feature seven Brownstone-style units located at the corner of Locust and 5th Streets in downtown Owensboro.
Four units are scheduled to open in Fall 2026, with additional units completed as demand grows.
The new housing complex will offer modern, convenient accommodations that foster academic success and community engagement.
“This gift reflects a shared vision for the future of Brescia University,” said Madison Silvert, President of Brescia University. “Graduate students are an integral part of our campus community, and this project will ensure they have the resources and environment they need to thrive. We want to make things easy for them. No more worries about finding a roommate, getting approved for a lease, setting up utilities, or making monthly rent payments. They will have the independence they are looking for, just off of campus, while also having the ease of dealing exclusively with our incredible staff here at Brescia.”
Each Brownstone will house up to seven students, grouped by similar graduate programs or majors, to create collaborative environments that support academic goals.
The housing initiative aligns with Brescia University’s strategic plan to expand graduate programs and degree completion. It also supports the University’s emphasis on providing opportunities for lifelong learning and continuing education.
Dr. Lori Ethridge, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, notes that research shows that living-learning communities improve student persistence and academic performance. “Our goal is to provide resources that help students succeed at Brescia and grow into their future careers with a strong foundation and support system. This housing initiative is a critical step toward that vision.”
Dr Amanda Morris, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Academics, said this project reflects Brescia’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
“By integrating living and learning, we are creating spaces where students can thrive both personally and academically,” Morris said.
By creating dedicated spaces for graduate students, the University aims to attract top talent and strengthen its role as a leader in higher education.
President Silvert also noted that by investing in these professional school students, it creates opportunities for them to stay and contribute to Owensboro after graduation. “As we launch the Physician Assistant program, Hayden Commons positions Brescia as a premier destination for graduate education. This investment will attract top talent and strengthen our role in preparing healthcare professionals for the region,” he said.
Silvert noted that graduate students are a housing population with unique needs. “These students find themselves applying to programs where they will need to relocate to a new community, but they are not at a stage in life that they have a long credit history to help them rent and are not often able to find available locations convenient to campus at an affordable price, he said. “Having this resource allows us to provide wrap-around services in order to reduce the stress of relocation and finding roommates in a new community. They will be able to focus on their studies and have a stronger financial footing for the future because this option can be built into their financial aid package.”
The Haydens are the first donors to support the Brownstone project, kicking off a broader fundraising effort for the Commons.
“We believe in Brescia’s mission and are honored to invest in the success of its graduate students,” said Steve Hayden. “We invite others in the community to join us in supporting Brescia and, even more importantly, the future workforce of our region.”
Brescia will seek additional partners and offer naming rights for the individual units to secure funding for their construction.
For more information about the Brownstones or to learn how you can get involved, contact Melanie Brooks in Brescia’s Office of Advancement at 270-686-6417.