WILMETTE, Ill –Regina Dominican High School unveiled the new “Heart of the School” campus renovations to faculty, staff, students, and community members on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 and Sunday, May 7, 2023. Kicking off the celebrations was a ribbon cutting on May 2nd for students, faculty, and staff, followed by a blessing by Father Wayne Watts. On May 7th the celebrations continued with a Mass and blessing of the new space by His Eminence Cardinal Blase J. Cupich followed by a reception.
The unveiling of the newly renovated main entrance, learning staircase, and locker bays, is just Phase 1 of a 4-phase capital campaign project that was announced this past fall. The new campus master plan, designed by renowned Chicago architect and Regina Dominican alumna, Carol Ross Barney ’66, creates an environmentally friendly, student-centered campus with updated athletic and fine arts facilities and greater ADA accessibility.
Vice President of Advancement, Joan Kitchie ’77, relayed the impact the completion of Phase 1 will have on the community. “Regina Dominican is transforming the core of its 64-year-old campus. This gorgeous new main entrance and commons space will be the heart of our school and drive community, relationships, and collaboration amongst our students, faculty, and staff. These new spaces match the innovative, academic experience that Regina Dominican offers and our young women cannot wait to start using them.”
Regina Dominican was founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters and opened its doors in 1958. This is the first major construction project that spans the entire campus since its founding and the most successful fundraising campaign to date. The project architect and Regina Dominican alumna, Carol Ross Barney ’66, was recently awarded the 2023 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal, the institution’s highest honor. Ross Barney is also known for her work throughout Chicago from the Chicago River Walk to multi-modal transit facility at O’Hare International Airport.
To learn more about the Building Her Tomorrow capital campaign, visit https://www.rdbuildinghertomorrow.org/