The University of St. Thomas celebrated the official opening of the Schoenecker Center with a dedication ceremony on the center’s exterior terrace on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, protestors gathered at the intersection of Summit and Cretin Avenues in opposition to the construction of the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, holding signs and waving at cars during the scheduled ceremony time.
Advocates for Responsible Development President Dan Kennedy said that the time was chosen purposefully to get the attention of the ceremony’s high-profile attendees.
“These are people who are higher up in the hierarchy of St. Thomas,” Kennedy said. “We have really only been able to talk to the people who are the communicators but aren’t the decision-makers … This is an opportunity to let them know how we feel more directly about the arena.”
The protests were not addressed during the ceremony.
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Bill Tolman began the ceremony by highlighting the interdisciplinary elements in the new space.
Other speakers included Dean of the School of Engineering Don Weinkauf — who referenced the “start-up culture”-like journey that the School of Engineering has undergone to reach its present location in the center — and former CEO of the Toro Company Mike Hoffman, who praised the university’s innovation in providing new opportunities for students.
Senior Gracelyn Riedel spoke about how the new space helped her study for her MCAT exam.
“Many students and myself would say that having these study spaces, especially here on South Campus, makes the long hours easier and really creates successful Tommies,” Riedel said.
President Rob Vischer used his speech to recognize St. Thomas’ educational values and the construction and design teams behind the new building.
“By bringing these disciplines together in one majestic building, by facilitating the integration of knowledge, we have created a venue where every day our students will be empowered to discern how their gifts and passions and values and life experiences come together to connect with the world’s need in meaningful ways,” Vischer said.
Vischer also highlighted the family of Guy and Barbara Schoenecker in attendance, including their daughter and St. Thomas Board of Trustees member Lisa Anderson. Anderson spoke about her father’s ability to adapt to a shifting business landscape.
“This building is actually a perfect tribute to my dad because he was not an engineer, definitely not a techie, not an artist, not a musician but he was a creator,” Anderson said. “A creator of ideas and innovation in his business.”
The ceremony closed with an address and blessing from the Rev. Chris Collins, vice president for mission.
The ARD protests come after two appeals against the site plans for the Anderson Arena were unanimously denied by the St. Paul City Zoning Committee on May 2.
According to Aaron Macke, associate dean of students and director of residence life, construction is expected to resume on Monday, May 13.
Kennedy said that he spoke with students, faculty and seminarians alike while protesting.
“We’ve got a lot of support from students and faculty that think this is insane,” Kennedy said.
In an email sent Wednesday afternoon prior to the opening ceremony, Kennedy responded to comments from Undergraduate Student Government President-elect Jake Manskey, who had referred to ARD as “a small group of neighbors who perceive the Anderson Arena as selfish.”
“ARD has 280 members, including UST faculty and students. UST keeps saying only ‘a few people’ are concerned. As of now, 496 people have signed the change.org petition against the arena,” Kennedy wrote.
Kevin Lynch can be reached at lync1832@stthomas.edu.
Juan Del Valle can be reached at delv9625@stthomas.edu.
Owen Larson can be reached at lars6521@stthomas.edu.