STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math
The Schoenecker Center
Opening its doors in February 2024, the state-of-the-art STEAM complex is a hub for innovative education, unprecedented interaction and transformational progress on tackling the big problems from diverse perspectives.
The University of St. Thomas prepares principled leaders to advance the common good, and we are on the leading edge of meeting the rapidly evolving needs of the community and employers.
Many of the jobs our graduates will seek over the next 20 years don’t exist today. But our students’ ability to face the challenges of tomorrow is dependent on how we prepare them today.
The learning that takes place in the Schoenecker Center infuses creativity, innovation and flexible thinking by eliminating silos between traditionally separate academic departments.
The center reshapes the liberal arts foundation essential to St. Thomas student success, and their future careers.
Spontaneous interaction and collaboration between people are critical to the emergence of creative, practical ideas that work in the real world. We’ve found that for people to work differently, they need a different environment...one that inspires creativity, collaboration and experimentation – what is referred to as collaborative creativity.
Ashish Khandpur, PhD, Executive Vice President, Transportation & Electronics Business Group at 3M and former member of the St. Thomas Board of Trustees
Space Designed for Creative Collisions
These spaces break down barriers in collaborative learning, helping us to prepare the workforce of the future by encouraging students to wonder, incorporate diverse viewpoints and learn from each other.
With more than 130,000 square feet, the five-story facility houses musical performance and rehearsal spaces, an art gallery, engineering high bays, science labs and collaboration galleries. It also includes an emerging media newsroom and robotics labs.
Grand Atrium
When you walk into the multi-purpose atrium of the Schoenecker Center, you are transported to a living expression of St. Thomas’ academic mission: a physical space that encourages interaction, not isolation. This space is home to our stunning sculpture, Portal Icosahedron, by artist Anthony James.
Iversen High Bay
The Iversen High Bay is an area for complex large-scale experimental research, student demonstrations that supplement conceptual lecture content, and student engineering design competitions. It allows students to work with materials as they behave in their built environment and gain knowledge through hands-on work.
John P. Monahan Gallery
All benefit from the new art gallery with rotating displays highlighting works from our students and pieces from the university's vast collection of sacred art and modern works.
Sarah Rose Hall Instrumental Rehearsal
Accessed from the lower level, the two-level instrumental rehearsal space is uniquely designed to be viewed from the main level and outside from Summit Avenue through large arched windows.
Ruth and Henry Nachtsheim Chemistry Suite
The Nachtsheim Chemistry Suite transforms how the Department of Chemistry collaborates with partners across campus and educates students in the chemical sciences. The laboratories will primarily be used for two relatively new interdisciplinary courses – Engineering Chemistry and Nursing Chemistry – and will expand opportunities for students across campus to engage in the chemical sciences.
Choral Performance Hall
The much-needed performance space serves student musicians for practice and performances. The flexible design allows students and community partners to repurpose the space at any time.
Emerging Media Newsroom
More diverse perspectives and storytelling happens when we collectively house ThreeSixty Journalism, Tommie Media and other emerging journalists.
Henry and Angelena Blattner Robotics Lab
The Henry and Angelena Blattner Robotics Lab is a dedicated space for robotics and automation research, as well as hands-on experiential learning. The lab is essential for creating new avenues for industrial collaboration and research in the growing fields of advanced manufacturing.
Dr. Bernice Folz Science and Engineering Collaboration Hub
The future demands workspace, lab space and collaborative space that brings students together in cross-disciplinary teams. The design allows a new kind of collaboration among students and faculty and creates a hub of innovation.
Making the Difference
Generous and visionary donors make it possible for skilled and inspired students to positively impact their communities and solve complex real-world problems.
Guy and Barbara Schoenecker, Schoeneckers Foundation
Lead Donors
“Guy believed passionately in the value of a St. Thomas education because of his experiences here as a student. He wanted to see others get the same opportunity that he had as a young man.”
Henry and Angelena Blattner Robotics Lab Henry and Angelena Blattner & Foundation '94
Dr. Bernice Folz Science & Engineering Collaboration Hub Bernice Folz
Gearen Stage - Performance Hall James P. Gearen
Pierson M. and Florence B. Grieve Terrace Pierson M. and Florence B. Grieve
Iversen High Bay Al Iversen
Sarah Rose Hall Instrumental Rehearsal Kent '79 and Brenda Lynch
John P. Monahan Gallery John Monahan '73
Ruth and Henry Nachtsheim Chemistry Suite Stephen '67 and Jami Nachtsheim
Michael J. Hoffman and The Toro Company Digital Systems Lab The Toro Company
Conceptual Project Design John "Ozzie" Nelson '87 & Nelson Worldwide
February, 5 2024
First Day of Class
Students kicked off the spring semester with a brand new building to explore. Learn about the first day of class inside the Schoenecker Center in this Newsroom story.
Get in Touch
For more information on how to get involved with the Schoenecker Center, please contact one of our gift officers.