STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More diverse perspectives and storytelling happens when we collectively house ThreeSixty Journalism, Tommie Media and other emerging journalists.
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.
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.
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.”
- Julie Sullivan, President 2013-2022
Lead Donors
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
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.
Director of Development, School of Engineering
Email: kiet1596@stthomas.edu
Phone Number: (651) 962-6913
Associate Vice President, Principal & Leadership Gifts
Email: jpplante@stthomas.edu
Phone Number: (651) 962-6972
Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences
Email: jsnyder@stthomas.edu
Phone Number: (651) 962-6932