Onyx Anneau Fall 2020

“This building, that will welcome students for decades to come, is part of God’s Providence, and His plan which you put in motion 180 years ago,” said King during the blessing, referencing Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s founding of the College. “May all who study and live here be blessed. May they be inspired by you. May they be seekers of knowledge and light. May they use their Woods foundation to effect positive change in this world.” The building will also allow the College to enhance the student dining experience by providing a modern space with amenities commensurate with expectations of today’s students. Food separation for allergies and sensitivities,

longer service hours for students with varied schedules, grab-n-go options and a student-union like feel are among the updates that will come with this new space. The College bookstore will be prominently located at the north corner of the new building. The bookstore move from Hulman Hall will create much-needed space for new laboratories and classrooms as part of the expansion of the nursing program, the College’s largest enrolled major. The building’s design includes a Celtic cross imbedded in the light-colored brick and arched windows, tying it architecturally to Le Fer Hall, Guerin

Hall and the Conservatory. The cross is patterned from those located atop several historic structures. “We are making way for a future that is robust and exciting, and I cannot wait to see what we’ll do next” said King. So, as you take that imaginary walk around campus, you might hear “The Bells of St. Mary’s” ringing in the Church of the Immaculate Conception and see the red leaves falling around Le Fer Lake, to take from the Ring Song, in addition to those sights and sounds of construction. And, you may take heart in knowing that the sounds of progress mean the future is bright in your Woods world.

Left: Aerial view of the residence hall construction site behind Le Fer Hall to its southeast. Right: Floor plan of the new residence and dining hall. A new modern bookstore will be prominently featured. Below Left: Jim Schmidt, president of University Housing Solutions, and President Dottie King take a shovel to the dirt during the groundbreaking. Below: Rendering of the front of the new residence and dining hall.

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