9 September 2014 – Luther College High School unveiled their newly-constructed and refurbished facilities including the Semple Gymnasium, Merlis Belsher Heritage Centre, Wiens Family Training Center, Student Commons and Fine Arts Wing with a ribbon cutting ceremony today.
The event marked the completion of a new gymnasium, new fitness, training and locker facilities and an outdoor team room, new classrooms, a new student commons and study area, and mechanical and lighting upgrades for the existing gymnasium. In addition, the fine arts department gained new facilities, including new classrooms for the school’s renowned music, drama and film programs, as well as a completely rebuilt stage with a green room.
“For over 100 years, Luther College has been dedicated to providing the very best education in a Christian context. As our buildings aged, our Board of Regents in consultation with our dedicated faculty, staff and administration recognized the need to ensure that our school continued to reflect the high academic standards of our institution and to ensure the best learning experience of our students, “said Dr Bryan Hillis, President of Luther College.
“With the renovations and new facilities we have a campus that reflects the educational goals of Luther College. On the one hand, the new areas demonstrate that we are moving forward into our second century of providing excellent education to students from around the world. Our teachers are now more equipped to expand learning opportunities for our students. On the other hand, renovations to our historic buildings remind us of the core, immutable values that have served the students of Luther College so well during its first one hundred years. Just like our original buildings,they are values that warrant careful upkeep. I am so grateful to our president, board, alumni and donors for all they have done to support this significant building project. Our students are the beneficiaries,” said Dr Mark Anderson, Principal of Luther College.
In June 2012 Luther embarked on A Time to Build… Quality. Education. Faith. Vision., an unprecedented fundraising campaign to raise $13.5 million for this project. To date, $10 million has been raised towards the goal. This includes over $800,000 from the Government of Saskatchewan.
“Our alumni have been instrumental in this campaign as they remember their alma mater with fondness and recognize the superior education they received,” said President Hillis. “We thank everyone involved on this project and campaign. We are especially grateful to all our donors who support us in ensuring that the school remains an important part of Saskatchewan for the next 100 years. “
“The new spaces are a great addition to our school and will allow for new and innovative ways of learning,” said grade 12, Student Representative Council President, Nelson Musungu. “We are very excited about the commons area which will allow for more interaction between students and will be a cool space to hang out, do homework and build Lion Pride.”
