Grand opening ceremonies include mass led by Archbishop Thompson and ribbon-cutting

Marian University leadership, faculty and staff, leaders from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and special guests gathered together today to celebrate the grand opening of Caito-Wagner Residence Hall – Marian’s newest residence hall.

The grand opening began with a 10 a.m. celebratory Mass led by Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the new residence hall.

“At Marian University we have experienced a 25.9% growth in our enrollment over the last five years,” said President Daniel J. Elsener. “In an effort to provide a transformational college experience, we can now offer more first-year students the opportunity to live on-campus in a community where they will grow as leaders and make meaningful connections with like-minded peers.”

The 57,000-square-foot residence hall will house 210 first-year students in 112 rooms, arranged in pods to encourage community and collaboration among students. What’s unique about the residence hall is that it has a memorial garden for student reflection, the M. Anne Haire Memorial Garden, named after Marian University alumnae Anne Marty Haire. The building is also the only Marian University residence hall with a chapel.

The St. Joseph Chapel features the St. Francis Bell Tower – named in honor of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana – Marian University’s sponsor. Standing at five and half stories tall, the Bell Tower is the highest point on campus, visible throughout Marian University.