The College of St. Scholastica breaks ground on student center

On May 12, The College of St. Scholastica held a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of construction for the highly anticipated Student Center building project.
“Over the decades, this campus has looked a bit different, as you can imagine. Over time, as all things do, this campus has evolved,” said Deb Amberg, the Chair of St. Scholastica’s Board of Trustees. “We’ve seen the addition to the Science building, the construction of apartments, the building of the Burns Wellness Center and the Health Science Center. While the campus continues to evolve and grow, one thing remains the same and that is a truly exceptional educational experience for our Saints.”

Investing in future students

Since the launch of the original A Second Century of Saints campaign in 2014, including a second phase added in November 2021, the College surpassed the goal of $62.6 million this past February and has raised over $63.8 million for three priorities: building a student center, enhancing student scholarships and enabling emerging priorities.

Dr. McDonald speaks at the ceremony on Friday.

Leaders at the 111-year-old institution are committed to investing in future students while holding firm to the College’s history. President Barbara McDonald said, “Our Foundress, Mother Scholastica Kerst once said, ‘My dream is that someday there will rise upon these grounds fine buildings like the great Benedictine abbeys. They will be built of stone: Within their walls, higher education will flourish.’ Today, we add to this dream of our founding Benedictine Sisters of the St. Scholastica community who built this fine College into what it is today. We are deeply grateful for Mother Scholastica’s vision that we continue to grow and develop for our current and future learners and the broader community of Saints. And none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our special friends and donors, our Board of Trustees and the greater Saints community.”

Fostering Community

Emma Mischke, Student Trustee, speaks at the ceremony on Friday.

Emma Mischke (expected ’25), the Student Trustee on the Board, shared, “A student center like the one we have planned will make an impact on generations of Saints to come, and I’m ecstatic when thinking about the opportunities this center will provide for students to foster the community and hospitality that characterizes this beautiful institution. I cannot wait to have a contemporary place where we can collaborate and commemorate each other.”

Along with Ms. Amberg, Ms. Mischke and Dr. McDonald, Chris Dolan ’01 spoke on behalf of campaign co-chairs Tom and Mimi Stender and Ryan Dolan (MA ’09). Bishop Daniel Felton of the Duluth Diocese provided the blessing. The student center was designed by HGA of Minneapolis and McGough of St. Paul is serving as the general contractor. The student center is expected to open in August 2024 for the fall semester.

St. Scholastica’s campaign, A Second Century of Saints: Believe. Belong. Transform. entered the public phase in 2021. The campaign priorities include building a student center, increasing student scholarship opportunities, and preparing for emerging priorities. For more information, visit css.edu/campaign.