Eldred, SMC break ground on Dalloway's
By SARAH RYKOWSKI
Saint Mary's News Editor
Saint Mary's took the first step toward the completion of its Master Plan with a groundbreaking ceremony for the College's new Welcome Center and Dallo-way's Coffee-house Thursday.
Faculty, staff and students from Saint Mary's attended the ceremony, as did members of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary's Parents Council and the Notre Dame and South Bend communities.
College president Marilou Eldred led the proceedings, and the donors praised her and her efforts in developing the Master Plan.
"This facility would not be a reality today if it were not for Dr. Eldred and her staff," Jim Martell said. Martell and his wife, Bonnie, represented the Parents Council of Saint Mary's at the ceremony. Their group was responsible in large part for the fundraising efforts for the new Dalloway's.
"We truly are honored to be able to participate in this program," Martell said.
The Parents Council is now working to fund the projects that comprise the remainder of the Master Plan, a 10-year project for major construction and renovations.
Student leaders also spoke at the ceremony.
"Today's groundbreaking not only signifies the birth of our new Clubhouse, but also marks the initiation of construction on the infamous Master Plan," said Nancy Midden, Saint Mary's student body president. "What a momentous occasion. To witness the first steps along the path that will most certainly lead to a brighter future for the students, faculty, staff and alumnae of Saint Mary's College is indeed significant. On behalf of the student body, a thousand thank yous to the community members who have worked tirelessly and dedicated so much of their energy to ensuring that student needs are met through the Master Plan projects."
The Welcome Center was made possible by a donation from Colleen and James Ryan, who are involved with the Parents Council. Mrs. Ryan is also a member of the Board of Trustees at the College.
The Ryans were unable to attend the ceremony, but were represented by their daughter Kate, a senior.
"I talked to them right [before the ceremony] and they were really sad that they couldn't be here," she said.
Ryan is the third of eight children. Two older sisters, Molly and Meggie, graduated from Saint Mary's. Her younger brother Tim is a sophomore at Notre Dame.
"I'm so excited about this project," Ryan said. "I really think that it is going to do a lot for Saint Mary's. My parents and I have actually had conversations about improvements and doing more for the College."
After the opening comments, dedication and speeches, Eldred, Ryan, Jim Martell, Midden and others donned white construction helmets. They broke the brittle ground behind Madaleva Hall with gold shovels, after which the crowd applauded and cheered.
"The groundbreaking for these two projects is the first of many projects to come in executing this 10-year Master Plan for Saint Mary's College," Eldred said. "We appreciate the support of our donors, particularly the Parents Council for all of the work they have done to provide the funding for these two projects."
Midden, who will graduate in May, was excited about the beginning of the two projects.
"I am excited next year to come back and see the changes and how the students are making use of it," Midden said.
"We were here for the beginning stages, but I would like to see the clubhouse in reality."
"This is a most exciting day for Saint Mary's College," Eldred said. "The future indeed looks bright."
All News Stories for Friday, March 31, 2000
