Standing here, let me tell you about the John R. Roach Center for the Liberal Arts. This building wasn’t always dedicated to the liberal arts. For half a century, it was Albertus Magnus Hall a science center.
The University of St. Thomas transformed Albertus Magnus Hall into the John R. Roach Center for the Liberal Arts. The renovation cost 9.8 million dollars. The building is named after Archbishop John R. Roach. He served the church for nearly 50 years. For 20 years, he was archbishop and chairman of the St. Thomas board of trustees.
Rev. Dennis Dease commented on Roach’s connection to St. Thomas. He said Roach was connected to the community throughout his ministry. Naming the center after him recognizes his service and support of liberal arts education.
The dedication ceremony was held on September 21. Alumni and friends celebrated the new center. McGough Construction renovated the building. This company also built Albertus Magnus Hall in 1947. The renovation started in July 1999. It finished ahead of schedule in May 2000. The exterior retains its Collegiate Gothic style. Mankato stone defines the structure. Inside, the building was completely rebuilt.
Originally, Albertus Magnus Hall was a leading science facility. It was named for St. Albert the Great. He taught St. Thomas Aquinas in Cologne and Paris. Before the Frey Science and Engineering Center opened, Albertus Magnus Hall housed science departments. These included Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology, Mathematics, Computer Science and Graduate Programs in Software.
Now, the John Roach Center houses the Dean of the College Office and several departments. These include Psychology, Theology, Philosophy, English, Geography, History and Political Science. Other liberal arts departments are in other buildings.
Dr. Ralph Pearson explained the importance of the center. He said the liberal arts are at the core of a St. Thomas education. The building symbolizes this commitment.
Renovating Albertus Magnus Hall also preserved the university’s heritage. It would have cost the same to demolish the building and start anew. The renovation cost about $145 per square foot. Opus Hall, the School of Education home, cost $148 per square foot.
Dr. Judith Dwyer emphasized preserving the hall’s beauty. She noted it is a landmark. The building now integrates modern technology. Miles of wires and cables support communications and audiovisual equipment.
The Psychology Department is in the lower level. The Dean of the College Office and Theology Department are on the first floor. The Philosophy Department is on the second floor. The English Department and Writing Center are on the third floor. Geography, History, and Political Science departments are on the fourth floor. The fourth floor was once an unfinished attic. It was remodeled in the 1980s. The addition of fourth-floor windows required approval.
Air conditioning was installed. Mechanical cooling components are on the roof. Slanted roof panels conceal these components.
An outdoor sculpture will honor women’s contributions to the liberal arts. It will be in the lower quadrangle on the north side of the John Roach Center. Inside, the university owns 18 prints, paintings, and drawings.
Three McGough brothers who worked on the original Albertus Magnus Hall followed the renovation. Larry, a St. Thomas graduate, helped lay bricks for the original building. He was pleased with the renovation. He said the building is structurally sound.
So, as you stand here, remember the John R. Roach Center. It represents a blend of history, education, and architectural preservation.