Exterior Perspective – South

By AMANDA PETRUCELLI
Director of Marketing and Social Media, Ancilla College

PLYMOUTH — The public is welcome to see the inside of Ancilla College’s 30,000 square foot residence hall at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, located at 20360 9B Road, Plymouth. The event will include refreshments and a tour of the new building. Most Rev. Bishop Kevin Rhoades will perform a home blessing ceremony as well. 

The blessing ceremony, sacred to the Catholic faith, is an important part of any new beginning. Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ, Sister Jolise May, vice president of mission integration said, “Here at the Center In Donaldson, we have a history of blessing what is given to us, be that a newborn calf, a resident who can find their home among us, the beauty of nature which surrounds us or the excitement of opening the first residence hall at Ancilla College.  

No matter what the blessing, it is a symbol and sign of our gratitude, joy and desire to treasure all who bless these grounds with their presence. It is our hope and prayer that the Ancilla students, who make this building home, find room in their hearts to receive a blessing and be a blessing for others during their stay with us.”

Construction of the new hall increased enrollment by nearly 25 percent for the two-year college, which has been operating in Donaldson since 1937. The hall, now booked to capacity, will become home to more than 100 new freshmen, many of whom come from farther than the traditional commuter range the school typically recruits from. The three-story hall was designed and constructed by Michael Kinder and Sons, Inc. of Fort Wayne.

Ancilla College President, Ken Zirkle said, “This hall is changing the face of Ancilla College and, therefore, changes the Marshall County community. We hope everyone turns out to take a look inside this beautifully designed structure anyone would want to live in. Great things are happening at Ancilla College and we hope to bring the entire area along with us.”

Additionally, Rep. Jackie Walorski, will be in attendance along with a representative from Sen. Joe Donnelly’s office.