Breaking Ground on the Ryan STEM Center

May 12, 2021

On the afternoon of May 11, a small crowd gathered outside of the Commons and LLC to officially break ground on the new Ryan STEM Center, made possible by a generous gift by Ron '62 and Patty Ryan.

The new STEM Center will allow for project-based and hands-on learning. Our STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) faculty have been an instrumental part of designing this new space to provide the best possible resources for our students. 

Ron credits much of his success in engineering and construction to the great education he received at Cretin. He hopes to provide a space where current and future Raiders can learn the skills they need to enjoy success in the worlds of business, technology, and engineering.

The groundbreaking was attended by members of the STEAM faculty, a select group of students, board members, representatives of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and the Christian Brothers, members of the administration, the Ryans, and their daughter, Molly Wilson '95. Son John Ryan '97 was not able to attend.

Attendees enjoyed brief remarks from President Frank Miley and Ron Ryan, a blessing from Fr. Pat Kennedy '69, a ceremonial groundbreaking, a demonstration of state-of-the-art robotic construction equipment, and refreshments in the Lentsch Forum.

The ceremony was also attended by our architect, Ben Beery '03, who also designed the Lentsch Forum, and representatives of RJ Ryan, Ryan's construction company which is taking on the project.  The Center is expected to open in the fall.