Many of Donnelly’s faculty, staff, alumni and friends gathered to celebrate the completion of Phase I renovations to the College’s second academic building, Marian Hall, on Wednesday, April 29. Cindy Cash, President and CEO of the Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
The program began with opening words from Donnelly’s president, Dr. Steve LaNasa. LaNasa discussed the vision of Donnelly, as well as the current and future uses of Marian Hall. Following his comments, John Mendez, recently appointed Unified Government Commissioner At-Large – District 2 and Class of '74, addressed Donnelly’s role in the community and the national and local need for the types of programming Donnelly provides.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann then spoke to the role of Marian Hall in the community over the decades as well as the vision of the Archdiocese in donating the property, concluding with a blessing and dedication of the building. Following the blessing, Archbishop Naumann and Commissioner Mendez cut the ribbon and officially re-opened Marian Hall.
Donnelly’s Student Ambassadors gave tours of the renovations to attendees, and refreshments were served in one of the large lecture halls on the building’s first floor.
LPN students Cheryl Ray and Rebecca Thiga, along with Anne Briginshaw, clinical instructor, demonstrated the new patient simulators to those taking tours.
“The new human simulators give students a chance to refine and apply their clinical skills,” said Briginshaw. “These simulators also allow students to participate in different learning experiences tailored to their educational needs.”
In January 2009, the LPN program moved from the third floor in Donnelly’s main building and into the first floor of Marian Hall.
“We came from one room with four beds and moved into a beautiful, functional space complete with new laboratory and audio-visual equipment,” said Ada Williams, Donnelly’s Director of Nursing. “The Title V grant, under the direction of Frances Sanders (Dean and Title V Director) and Dr. Kevin Kelley (Vice President and Dean of Instruction), allows Donnelly students the opportunity to successfully study and pursue careers in healthcare.The instructors, students and staff feel so blessed to be here during this extraordinary time.”