Hornell Hall (Chinese name: 康寧堂) was founded on the 24th of September in 1953 and was named after Sir William Hornell, former Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong (HKU).

Hornell Hall is the first and only male undergraduate and postgraduate non-residential hall at HKU, and the oldest sustained hall of its kind in all of Asia. Hornell is characterized by its long history, traditions, and brotherhood among past and current members who had led the way in many sport and socially-conscious activities at HKU.

Within its 62 years of history, Hornell Hall has produced some of the most prominent and influential engineers, politicians, businessmen, and academics locally and internationally. At various points throughout its history, the hall has taken center-stage as spearheading various socially-conscious efforts and outreach programs.