The community came together on Monday to celebrate the official grand opening of the Stinson Center for Learning and Innovation.
More than 100 people attended the ribbon cutting and watched the ceremonious grand opening of the Stinson Center, a nod to the years of planning, collaboration and execution by hundreds of members of the Serra community. The success of the dynamic Stinson Center for Learning and Innovation is named for its largest contributors, Ken '60 and Ann Stinson. The Stinsons generously contributed $7.5 million, the largest single capital gift granted to Junípero Serra High School in its history.
"We learned so much here at Serra from the priests like Father Zoph and Father Kelly, and from our faculty and coaches who were responsible for a significant part of our lives-- which was transforming us from kids to men," said Ken Stinson. "I reflected on my gratitude for all of that. That is what inspired us to give this gift."
Gifts in support of the Always Forward Capital Campaign made the completion of this ambitious $17 million project possible. The building was completed while students attended classes on campus full time, which took thoughtful planning to maintain a safe and inspiring learning environment for students.
According to Serra President Barry Thornton, Ed.D., it was a night of celebration of all that is good at Serra.
"It was a night where members of the community came together to celebrate Serra moving forward in support of these incredible young men. The Stinson Center for Learning and Innovation contains a unique and meaningful design feature - a beautiful ceiling ellipse that encompasses the whole space and extends to the walls. The design reflects Serra's belief that the learning taking place within must go out into the world to make a difference for good."
The 13,000-square-foot learning space, formerly the Zoph Library, was transformed into a state-of-the-art center to support student collaboration, Serra’s Design-led Innovation Program, international student connection and the Serra Global Speaker Series. The new facilities include a design thinking lab, a learning commons, student collaboration rooms, presentation facilities, offices and renovated adult and faculty bathrooms. Critical infrastructure upgrades—including a comprehensive seismic upgrade and HVAC system— were completed. The center features modern amenities, a sleek, open feel, and an ellipse-shaped ceiling. Innovative classes inside the new center are inspiring today’s Padres.
With just $4 million to go, Serra has accomplished its most ambitious project of the $38 million campaign. We are so proud to have such a supportive community of people who believe in Serra and its great mission. Thank you to everyone who has given to the Always Forward campaign.
If you would like to invest in our Always Forward campaign, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Mike Fadelli ‘88 by email or by phone at 650-345-8207 x 6154.
