The Student Center’s design highlights the importance of investing in students through an enhanced campus experience.
National interdisciplinary design firm, HGA, led the design of The College of St. Scholastica Student Center, which opened its doors in August of 2024. McGough of St. Paul served as the general contractor.
The state-of-the-art Student Center is the first of its kind on The College of St. Scholastica campus to feature versatile spaces for studying, meetings and socializing. Designed to foster connection and community, the vibrant hub offers versatile spaces for studying, meetings and socializing, in a welcoming environment for students to gather, relax and engage. The cozy atmosphere, complete with a fireplace, makes it the perfect spot to unwind, while the flexible living room area serves as a meeting and event space for student organizations, featuring a dividable room for larger or more intimate gatherings. The Seekers Café offers late-night dining options, ideal for study sessions. The center also houses a gallery where art students can display their thesis work and outside artists can be brought in, enriching the creative atmosphere. Offices upstairs are dedicated to religious and spiritual life, student government, campus ministry, and student activities, reinforcing the values of the Catholic school.
“A dedicated space for students on campus has been on the College’s wish list for over twenty years,” said Rebecca Celis, principal at HGA. “We are pleased to partner with the College on bringing this dream to fruition with purpose-built spaces to enrich the student experience on campus.”
HGA designed a robust and appealing new student center that aligns with the College’s Benedictine values, positioned at the geographic center of campus that includes:
- The spiritual tradition of a circular arched entry symbolizing a significant threshold and divine gateway
- A Benedictine cross pattern prominently displayed on both the exterior and interior of the building reflected through light and texture
- A minimal and functional design, reflecting the Benedictine values of humility and practicality
- Exterior brick and stone that aligns with historic Tower Hall, blending seamlessly with the surrounding campus
- A new quad and outdoor dining space providing needed outdoor gathering, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere
“Honoring the College’s rich history and Benedictine values while creating a modern space equipped with the latest technology for today’s hybrid learners was a key design driver,” said Samantha Turnock Mendiola, design principal for the project. “The center is designed to bring students together across campus, fostering connection and community at a time when it’s needed most.”
The new Student Center symbolizes St. Scholastica’s commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and socially. As the College looks toward its second century, the Student Center will serve as a cornerstone for building community, showcasing the values of connection and community that define the St. Scholastica experience.
“This is a momentous milestone for our College community,” said Reba Copeland, associate vice president for College Advancement. “We are thrilled to open the doors of the Student Center as an opportunity to come together as a community and witness a new chapter in the history of The College of St. Scholastica.”
About HGA
HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. We believe that great design requires a sense of curiosity—forming deep insight into our clients, their contexts, and the human condition. We are a collective of more than 1,000 architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, researchers, and strategists. Our practice spans multiple markets, including science and technology, corporate, cultural, education, local and federal government, and healthcare. Visit HGA.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About McGough
McGough is a premier general contractor, construction management and development firm offering full-service real estate capability. The firm, incorporated in 1956 by Peter McGough and his six sons, remains a family-owned company today. McGough is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota with branch offices in Des Moines, Iowa; Rochester, Duluth and Saint Cloud, Minnesota; Bismarck and Fargo, North Dakota, Rapid City and Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Dallas, Texas that facilitate project development and construction activities nationwide. To learn more, visit www.mcgough.com.
HGA Media Contact
Michelle Nelsen, Public Relations Director
mnelsen@hga.com
