In 1926, Fr. John O’Brien recognized the need for a physical structure on the University of Illinois campus to facilitate the spiritual instruction, guidance, and support he wished to provide the Catholic students under his charge. Seventy-five years later, the ministry had become a booming success, literally outgrowing the capacity of the Hall and Center. Over 100 students remained on a waiting list each year to live at Newman Hall. Student groups were running out of meeting space. The mechanical systems and public areas began to show signs of heavy use. Several thorough studies revealed that the time had come to expand and renovate the Center, and that sufficient support was available to provide the needed resources to complete it. 

On December 3, 2006, ground was broken for the Opening New Doors campaign. For eighteen months, over fifty workers a day crafted a facility utilizing state-of-the-art design. This ambitious $40 million expansion and renovation of the nation’s largest Newman ministry was intended to provide for the growing needs of the Catholic community at Illinois for decades to come. 

While the 200,000 square foot completed building is impressive, the people who live, work, and worship in it were the focus of the campaign. Benefactors from all over the country recognize the value of this ministry: to serve the spiritual, social, and academic needs of our students during the most pivotal time in their lives. 

You can still become an investor in the Opening New Doors initiative. For a limited time, additional campaign gifts are being accepted at all levels. A sample of our remaining naming opportunities is listed below. Consider a gift of cash, appreciated assets, an estate gift, or take advantage of the extended IRA Rollover provision.

 

 Naming Opportunities

Dining Room and Promenade

 $1,000,000
South Courtyard $500,000
"Illini Market" (Convenience Store) $350,000

Elevator Tower Roof (for cross)

 $250,000

Fitness Center

 $150,000

Game Room

 $150,000

Private Dining Room

 $150,000

Choir Rehearsal Room

 $75,000

2nd Floor Outdoor Terrace

 $75,000

Ministry Meeting Room

 $75,000

Student Lounge

 $50,000

Digital Info Signage

 $50,000

Staff Office

 $25,000

Student Residential Room

 $1,000