December 03, 2019
Catholic University will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Dec. 9, to mark the start of construction on the Student Dining Commons, to be built north of the University Lawn. The groundbreaking will take place at noon on the lawn, which is between the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center and the Columbus School of Law. 
 
In preparation for this building project, Magner House, a residence hall in Centennial Village, was razed this fall. The student dining hall built on the edge of CV will be constructed thanks in part to an $8 million anonymous donation. 
 
The new facility represents one of the highest priority projects to improve and enhance the undergraduate student experience. In addition to providing a superlative new dining center, the building will boast an exterior patio for campus gatherings and will be the new home for the Center for Academic and Career Success, a new integrated program that provides academic advising, internship and job placement services for students.   
 
“We take pride in the residential campus experience we offer our students, and the addition of a state-of-the-art dining facility is a significant enhancement,” said Chris Lydon, vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “Improving all aspects of the student experience supports our efforts to better serve our campus population and sends an important message to prospective students about our commitment to campus life.”
 
The $8 million gift is part of Light the Way: The Campaign for Catholic University, a $400 million 
comprehensive campaign. 
 
“The generosity of these donors directly benefits our undergraduate student population,” commented University President John Garvey upon receipt of the gift in 2018. “The new dining hall will be a tremendous blessing to our students and shows the University's commitment to transforming the whole of student life.”
 
In addition to a formal groundbreaking ceremony featuring remarks from University President John Garvey, Board of Trustees chairman Joe Carlini ‘84, and a student representative, the campus community will be invited to enjoy free food and refreshments. 
 
MEDIA: To attend this event, contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cua.edu or call 202-319-5600.
 
ABOUT: The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church and the only higher education institution founded by the U.S. bishops. Established in 1887 as a papally chartered graduate and research center, the University comprises 12 schools and 31 research facilities and is home to 3,332 undergraduate and 2,624 graduate students.