This summer was extremely busy here at Benet Academy, not only with summer sports camps and freshmen CARE classes going on but also with several large construction projects taking place. Those who were in the building over the summer may remember the entire second floor of St. Martin Hall being closed off, as well as much of the first floor of St. Joseph Hall near the Recruitment Center.
Completed projects include a new roof for the Alumni Gym, a new HVAC system for St. Ronald’s Gym, and an extended fire suppression sprinkler system for the second floor of St. Martin Hall and the St. Ronald Gymnasium Lobby.
However, most resources were devoted to the newly renovated Welcome Center and main St. Joseph’s Hall entrance of Benet Academy, a project that reached completion on November 3rd, 2024. It is located where the business, admissions/recruitment, and marketing offices used to be. With the business office moved up to the second floor and marketing to the first floor of Benet Hall, where Mr. Pat New’s former classroom was, the Admissions and Recruitment department can now expand its facilities greatly.
The Welcome Center will have a secure entrance, individual offices for Admission Office staff, and a large space for prospective students and families to socialize and learn more about Benet.
According to Mr. Matt Grigas, Director of Admissions, “This expansive new space will provide greater capacity for visitors, allowing us to host more families and shadows than ever before. Additionally, it features a dedicated presentation area, which enables us to engage meaningfully with prospective families.”
Students, mainly those in St. Mary Hall for their study hall (known as “Senior Privilege”), will no longer need to be relocated during recruitment events like “Bagels at Benet,” a recurring event for prospective parents hosted on select Wednesday mornings. This event and others will now be hosted in the Welcome Center.
President William Myers looks forward to showcasing our Benedictine hospitality through the new space, stating, “This new Welcome Center will be a great way to show our school spirit and Benedictine hospitality, not just to new prospective students, but also to all members of the Benet Family.”
