Sponsored Institutions - Stories

By Ellie Schmerler-Rich
Vice President of Growth
Regina Dominican High School

May 30, 2023, Wilmette, Illinois – Regina Dominican High School unveiled the new “Heart of the School” campus renovations. Kicking off the celebrations was a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 2, 2023, for students, faculty, and staff, followed by a blessing by Father Wayne Watts, pastor of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish, Wilmette. The celebrations continued on May 7, 2023, with a Mass and blessing of the new space by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, followed by a reception.

Elizabeth Schuster, President of Regina Dominican High School, prepares to cut the ribbon to unveil the Heart of the School campus renovations during a May 2, 2023, celebration with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 
Photo Courtesy of Regina Dominican High School

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago blesses the renovated space of the Regina Dominican High School campus after a special Mass on May 7, 2023.
Photo Courtesy of Regina Dominican High School

The unveiling of the newly renovated main entrance, learning staircase, and locker bays, is just Phase 1 of a four-phase capital campaign project that was announced this past fall. The new campus master plan, designed by renowned Chicago architect and Regina Dominican alumna Carol Ross Barney ’66, creates an environmentally friendly, student-centered campus with updated athletic and fine arts facilities and greater accessibility to people with disabilities. 

Joan Kitchie ’77, Vice President of Advancement, relayed the impact the completion of Phase 1 will have on the community. “Regina Dominican is transforming the core of its 64-year-old campus,” she said. “This gorgeous new main entrance and commons space will be the heart of our school and drive community, relationships, and collaboration amongst our students, faculty, and staff. These new spaces match the innovative, academic experience that Regina Dominican offers, and our young women cannot wait to start using them.” 

Regina Dominican was founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters and opened its doors in 1958. This is the first major construction project that spans the entire campus since its founding and the most successful fundraising campaign to date. 

The project architect Carol Ross Barney ’66 was recently awarded the 2023 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal, the institution’s highest honor. Carol is also known for her work throughout Chicago, from the Chicago River Walk to the multi-modal transit facility at O’Hare International Airport. 

To learn more about the Building Her Tomorrow capital campaign, visit https://www.rdbuildinghertomorrow.org/