Thomas More celebrated the opening of the university’s new academic center with state-of-the-art classrooms and learning spaces.
The ribbon cutting on Sept. 10 marked the opening of the 34,000-square-foot facility, which is home to the Robert W. Plaster College of Business, the Dr. Anthony ’65 and Geraldine ’66 Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Center for Faith, Mission, and Catholic Education and the Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III ’67 Institute for Religious Liberty.
The ribbon-cutting included a short ceremony with remarks from university and community leaders and a blessing of the building led by Monsignor Gerald Twaddell.
“When I look around today, one of the things I am struck by is the tremendous friendships that we have created over the last five years,” Thomas More University President Joseph L. Chillo said during the event. “The work that we do…is to ensure that a mission-driven, Catholic liberal arts education is alive and well. And today, you’re seeing how alive and well that is.”
The academic center offers classrooms and learning environments for the Robert W. Plaster College of Business, including an accounting lab, a technology and prototyping lab, meeting rooms, student huddle spaces and faculty offices. Additionally, the Wilbert L. Ziegler Auditorium, located on the first floor of the academic center, features seating for over 300 guests.
Construction of the academic center is an outcome of the university’s 2021-26 strategic plan: “Lighting the Way,” and the supporting Second Century Campaign: It’s Time for More.
“As a student, it feels especially meaningful to be a part of this moment, as this building is so much more than just a new addition to our campus,” said Shelby Thompson, president of the Thomas More Student Government Association. “This new academic center is not just a collection of classrooms and study spaces; to us students, it is a symbol of our community’s commitment to fostering an environment where we can learn, grow, and dream.”