Thomas More University celebrates opening of new Academic Center

By Judy Clabes
NKyTribune editor

Thomas More University’s celebration of the opening of its new Academic Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday was well attended by the campus community, dignitaries, supporters, alumni, and students.

The impressive new Academic Center is a $22 million facility featuring state-of-the-art technology, classrooms, the Wilbert L. Ziegler Auditorium with seating for 300+, and is home to:

• Robert W. Plaster College of Business

• Dr. Anthony ’65 and Geraldine ’66 Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Center for Faith, Mission, and Catholic Education and the

• Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III ’67 Institute for Religious Liberty.

Board Chair Judith Marlowe called the building, made possible by the “philanthropic support of so many friends,” “transformative” for the university.

“This is a great moment in the history of the university,” she said.

President Joseph Chillo, whose leadership led to the S econd Century Campaign: It’s Time for More , didn’t miss a beat when his prepared remarks were scattered by the day’s gentle wind as he took the podium.

In characteristic good cheer, he refused to reassemble the gathered-up papers and spoke eloquently without them — about his vision, the university’s commitment to students first, the role of TMU in providing “accessibility and affordability” in higher education, and the importance of “values in our mission.”

“People are our greatest asset,” he said. “We are preparing our students for life after graduation and preparing them not just for the impact they will have in their jobs, but for the impact they will have in all aspects of their lives.”

His focus, he said, is not just on the university’s five-year strategic plan or the successful capital campaign that has raised $40.3 million, far in excess of its goal.

The Academic Center helps set the stage, he said, for the next 100 years of education at Thomas More, continuing a long tradition of academic excellence, enhancing Thomas More’s reputation as an innovation destination, and helping to ensure students at Thomas More have the best opportunities and tools to succeed – both in their careers and in life.

He also noted that TMU’s enrollment dramatically increased this school year.

Following the ribbon-cutting — to which all students, faculty, and staff were invited — the crowd enjoyed informal tours of the new facility, which includes a large atrium with open seating, an expansive auditorium, and four floors of offices, classrooms, laboratories, and meeting spaces.

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