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St. Mary's School hosts an official public Grand Opening of its two new buildings tomorrow.
OCTOBER 9, 2012, MEDFORD, OR — St. Mary's student base has increased by 130 students since starting its $6 million capital campaign back in the fall of 2007. Since then, the school has received five Oregonian Cups and has won international recognition as an outstanding college preparatory school. It was about time to add 30,000 sq. ft. of space with the addition of the Fine Arts & Athletic Center and St. Mary's Chapel.
Both buildings will have their public debut this Wednesday, October 10, 2012 starting with a presentation in the new Fine Arts & Athletic Center (aka Naumes Center) at 6:00pm, followed by self-guided tours complete with a wine and cheese reception. St. Mary's students will be demonstrating live art, music, and athletic presentations in their new learning spaces to show the community what they can do.
The Fine Arts & Athletic Center features two art rooms, two music rooms, a two-story fitness center, full gymnasium, locker rooms, student lounge, athletic offices, and outdoor basketball courts. The St. Mary's Chapel is the new campus "jewel box," with 32 stained glass windows, 16 bas-relief terra cotta art sculptures, seating for 100, and beautiful mahogany finishes to make it one of the most interesting buildings in Medford. Just outside the chapel is Grace Courtyard, a new amphitheatre-style seating area perfect for small performances and outdoor teaching. A new gated road now winds around the back of campus and several new parking spots, as well as a new faculty and staff parking lot, alleviating many of the previous parking and traffic issues.
"This project was not done alone. Hundreds of donors stepped forward because they believe in what we're doing here at St. Mary's. This Wednesday will be our first chance to really show off the results of a lot of generosity and hard work," says Frank Phillips, Head of School, "Our hope is to use these buildings not only as improvements to our students' experience, but to also share with the community."
Currently, St. Mary's School facilities are used by many local organizations, including churches, choirs, music programs, performing arts programs, city police and parks departments, prep sports teams, and senior groups. The St. Mary's Chapel will have small Masses throughout the year and a public schedule will be posted on St. Mary's website in the near future.
Wednesday night's schedule begins at 6:00pm with a program that will include brief speeches from special guests Mike and Laura Naumes, Rick Jackson, Judy Gambee, Dr. Chuck Dibb, Russ Batzer, Bill Leavens, Dan Leavens, and Catherine Dauterman. An official ribbon cutting will follow, then self-guided tours with performances by the students in each room. Wine and cheese will be served around campus and the public is welcome.
For more information, please visit St. Mary's School website at www.smschool.us, or contact Desiree Wienand, Director of Advancement, at (541) 414-1208 or dwienand@smschool.us.
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