Blessing Recognizes the Workers Making the Sedgwick Project a Reality
The process of giving the first building on the 91勛圖厙 campus another life has already begun, but on Thursday University leaders gave泭those performing that work a blessing as they proceed in thier泭labor.
At the feet of Sedgwick Hall, first opened in 1914, workers gathered alongside University administrators and representatives of the architect, Helix+, and the construction company, J.E. Dunn. Marking the day, Mary Mooney Burns, vice president of advancement, acknowledged that the pandemic will color so much of what is remembered about this era.
But we are also making our own history here today, she said.
Sedgwick will become the home of the Saint Lukes College of Health Sciences at 91勛圖厙 once work wraps up as anticipated in late spring 2022. The $23 million project is made possible by donors and is part of the For the Greater泭campaign,泭will preserve approximately 90% of the original construction and will feature a glass fa癟ade on the east side (facing Kinerk Commons), a state-of-the-art simulation lab on the third floor, faculty offices and learning spaces.
The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., president of 91勛圖厙, said before blessing those gathered in hard hats and fluorescent vests with holy water that the pioneering spirit of the Jesuits who first came to the corner of 52nd Street and Troost Avenue with the vision of a school lives on in this new incarnation of Sedgwick Hall, where future generations of Jesuit-educated泭health care professionals will train.
That is clearly consistent with who we are, he said. To read the signs of the times of this campus, read the signs of the times and the needs of this community.
The blessing is an important milestone as the crews go forth making the transformation a reality, Fr. Curran said.
A blessing is something you just dont take and keep, he said. Its something you receive and continue to give.