Future academic building
In celebration of completing extensive renovations of Marian Hall as part of Phase II of Donnelly’s campus master plan, the public is invited to attend the Marian Hall Grand Re-Opening Celebration and Open House on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 4-6 p.m. (program begins at 4:15).
The event will include a brief presentation by college leadership, a ribbon cutting ceremony, a prayer of dedication for the new space, open-house viewing of all floors, refreshments, and the opportunity to learn more about the next phase of the campus master plan.
Renovations added nine new classrooms, six faculty/staff offices, a computer lab and a collaborative study space. We modernized the elevator, added sprinklers, and improved mechanical systems throughout the building. Academic space doubled to 22,000 square feet.
About the campus master plan
Donnelly first approved a campus master plan in 2010 that called for the radical transformation of the campus and the educational experience we offer our students, led by former Donnelly College President Steve LaNasa and the Board of Directors.
Phase I of the master plan was completed in 2013 with the installation of new elevators in the main tower and the grand opening of a new Community Event Center.
With the guidance of Donnelly’s current President, Monsignor Stuart Swetland, the Board of Directors, volunteers on the Building Committee and expert assistance from Burns & McDonnell and MC Reality, the college approved a revised master plan in Spring 2017.
The College acted swiftly to begin Phase II construction in Marian Hall immediately after the Spring 2017 semester ended. JE Dunn executed construction on time to ensure classes could resume in January.
Phase III includes the building of a new main academic and administrative building, rather than trying to accomplish challenging renovations in our current Tower building, which was part of the 2010 master plan. Phase III will also include adding substantial green space to campus and reconfiguring parking.
Donnelly will proceed with Phase III once sufficient funds are raised. In addition to a revitalized campus, the campaign will also grow our endowment, ensuring that our mission will go forward in a vibrant and sustainable way.
As Donnelly Board member and 1966 alum, Dr. John A. Romito, said in the Leader’s Message in the most recent issue of the Donnelly Digest, “To remain competitive in today’s higher education market, an excellent learning environment is just as important as excellent instruction.”
Since 1949, Donnelly’s rich legacy of expanding access to higher education has helped thousands realize their personal version of the American dream. There are more than 40,000 alumni in Kansas City and beyond who may not be where they are today if they had not found Donnelly College. Donnelly helped transform their lives, positively impacting their families and their communities.