The Catholic Student Center celebrated its grand reopening April 21 after undergoing a $3.5 million renovation of its facilities.
“Since I’ve been here, the number of registered Catholic students at Washington University has grown from 45 to nearly 1,200,” said the Rev. Gary Braun, director of the center. “It was time.”
Mass attendance also has grown; each Sunday, there are more than 800 attendees, including many members of the St. Louis community.
The renovation included expanding and updating the chapel; creating new offices, new counseling rooms and commons; and updating the 97-year-old house adjacent to the chapel. The library also was expanded and updated.
“I’m incredibly excited about the new space,” Braun said. “It will help us continue to serve the student population at Washington University and the community at large.”
The center, also known as the Newman Center, provides religious programs, leadership training, counseling services and social activities for WUSTL students of all faiths.
Students associated with the center participate in social service and learning activities, including discussing social justice issues; attending lecture series; volunteering through local, national and international organizations; and participating in alternative spring break trips.
The building that houses the center was built in 1910 as a private residence. Monsignor Gerard N. Glynn, who became chaplain for the Newman community in 1950, was instrumental in acquiring and developing the facilities as the Center for Catholic Students of the University.
Glynn continued his service until 1989. Braun has been director since 1991.
The Catholic Student Center, located at 6352 Forsyth Blvd., is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information, visit washucsc.org/home.php.