“The Student Life Center is the central hub for student activity, enriched with tech- and collaboration-focused spaces to support learning and social connections,” said Cardinal Newman President Dr. Linda Norman. “We are grateful for the indomitable spirit of our school community, the generous support of our donors, and the invaluable guidance of our project partners as we mark this latest step forward in rebuilding what was lost and planning for the future.”
Designed with features resembling a modern college student union, the two-story, 23,800-square-foot building is home to a newly resourced Academic Library and high-tech Innovation Center that also includes a student lounge, cafeteria and commercial kitchen, faculty offices, conference rooms, study areas, digital media lab spaces, and a recording studio. As a place for students — as well as staff — to connect, the Student Life Center’s spaces are accessible to students before and after school hours. The building also offers flexible classrooms that expand specialized curricular offerings and a variety of seating to accommodate different uses and needs.
“We are honored to be a trusted partner since Cardinal Newman began efforts to reconstruct its campus and plan for its future nearly five years ago,” said QKA Principal John Dybczak. “Working closely with GMH and input from administration, faculty, students, and maintenance personnel, we designed the Student Life Center as the hub of campus. This next-generation facility furthers the school’s goal to provide supportive spaces beyond the classroom for students to study, socialize, refuel, and relax.”
The completion of the Student Life Center joins several other rebuilding projects already completed across the Cardinal Newman campus since the fire, including the North Classroom Building in 2019 and a new two-story classroom building in 2021.
