Alumni Campus Facilities

The Purcell Friendship Hall

Formerly the barn, the Purcell Friendship Hall serves as a place where members of the School family can hold special events and celebrations. Dedicated in September 2006, the space was named in honor of MHS alumni brothers, Richard ’61 and Milton ’64 Purcell. The Purcell Friendship Hall is used almost daily during the week by MHS for staff training, student events, and alumni meetings.

Alumni, employees, retirees, and members of their immediate family may rent the facility for private events such as weddings and parties.

The Friendship Garden

Completed in September 2005, the Friendship Garden pays tribute to all MHS graduates. It features the names of all alumni engraved on granite walls along a brick pathway. The pathway is made from bricks engraved with names of alumni, houseparents, teachers, and other MHS family members. Another area of the garden honors the memory of students who died while at the school.

Memorial bricks are available for purchase and installed each May and August.

The Dearden House

The Dearden House, former student home Glendale, is home to the Alumni Relations offices. The interior of the building features displays and videos of student home life in the mid- to late-1950s. With this facility, Milton Hershey School honors the life and spirit of William E. Dearden. As an educational and social facility for all MHS students, graduates, and the broader Hershey community, the Dearden House maintains the heritage, strengthens the culture, and celebrates the legacy of Milton S. Hershey. A replica of Mr. William Dearden’s office serves as a tribute to the former Hershey Company CEO and includes personal items donated by the Dearden family.