On the morning of Monday, August 22nd, sounds of celebratory laughter and cheer were heard all throughout the academic quad. Students and faculty could be found spectating the official opening ceremony of the newly remodeled Academic Center, complete with white decorations and smiling faces standing before the double doors. In attendance at the ceremony: the Counseling Office, the Technology Office, campus employees, several donors, Dr. Kevin Calkins, and Father Paul de Soza. 

The celebration began at 8am with a speech by Dr. Calkins, President of Cathedral Catholic, shortly followed by the cutting of the ribbon by the donors. Then, Father Paul blessed the newly opened Academic Center and explained that God’s presence in the space is essential as Dons will gather in the space for years to come.

Students eagerly entered through the doors during the first break, discovering new furniture, offices, rugs, and paint. (The offices will acquire new furniture in the upcoming future.) The entirety of the Academic Center had been redesigned to encourage productivity among students. 

Dr. Calkins states, “The purpose of the remodel is to make the space more usable for students and employees. This idea has been discussed for as long as I’ve been employed by Cathedral Catholic, and I’m starting my 8th year.”

The amount of time and effort put into redesigning the Academic Center is evident upon arrival in the building. Red cushions sit atop curved chairs and benches, circling tables and desks for students to use. Students no longer see scattered computers around tables, nor do they see oddly positioned chairs and desks. Instead, they are welcomed by strategically placed furniture that maximizes the space.

Camila Abramowitz ‘24 describes the space saying, “It’s nice to see it back and open to us students. I love how the tables and chairs can be rearranged, and the smaller spaces can be used for personal time to get work done.”

Behind the new fixtures are the people who made the project successful, the donors. Kimberly Schnell, one of the principal donors for the remodel and parent of Jackie Schnell ‘21 and Cate Schnell ‘23, shares the reason behind her donation: “Giving back to your community is essential and a core value for our family. We have been blessed in many ways and feel the best way to show gratitude and appreciation for our blessings is to share our gifts with others.”  

Alongside Mr. Schnell and Mrs. Schnell are donors Mrs. Kaminsky, Mr. Grunsky and Mrs. Grunsky, Mr. Conway and Mrs. Conway, and Ms. Whitworth. The total donation amount adds up to $400,000.

As students rediscover the Academic Center and its purpose on campus, they may begin to appreciate the heart and soul that went into every detail they will come to enjoy within the space. Dons, the Academic Center has officially been reopened and is back in business. Stop by in the morning, during break or lunch, or after school to see the product of hard work and generosity.