News at St. Catherine's
Science Center Name Unveiled
St. Catherine's new Science Center is now officially, the Armfield Science Center.
As the sun began to set Thursday evening, the Science Center’s light-filled interior illuminated the St. Catherine’s campus. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony, the St. Catherine’s Science Center was officially named the Armfield Science Center.
Janie (Hall ’70) Armfield and her husband, Billy are active leaders in the St. Catherine’s community. Janie is a former board member, and Billy is an advisor to the St. Catherine’s School Foundation. Both currently serve on the Campaign Steering Committee. Their fifth grade daughter Olivia is a fourth generation legacy of St. Catherine’s and her twin, Nicholas, attends St. Christopher’s.
“The opening of the Armfield Science Center has created great excitement and has opened the door to many new possibilities,” Head of School, Dr. Terrie Scheckelhoff said. “St. Catherine's has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence in the liberal arts, of which Science is a building block in educating girls and young women. The knowledge gained from STEM courses at St. Catherine's will provide our girls with further insights into medical, technological, and environmental disciplines to name a few.”
The new 16,155 sq. ft. facility is a renovation and expansion of Mullen Hall, which was constructed in 1984 and named after Dr. James W. Mullen, II. The Center, which opened in time for the start of the 2012-2013 school year, features an independent student research lab, five laboratory classrooms, four science prep rooms, an 80-seat lecture hall to host special guests and speakers and business-style conference rooms for presentations.
“It is innovative in its variety of teaching spaces and learning areas,” said Nancy Habenicht, Upper School Science teacher and Science Center Construction Liaison. “All the teaching spaces feature new equipment and the latest technology. Ample preparation areas support all of the labs, and the teachers have a wonderful space for collaboration, as do the students.
“All students whether they are artists, scientists, writers or linguists seem to feel at home in our new space.”
“All students whether they are artists, scientists, writers or linguists seem to feel at home in our new space.”
Thanks to The Armfield Science Center, St. Catherine’s and St. Christopher’s students are able to take their Science research and education to new levels.
“The Armfield Science Center with its expanded classroom and lab space will improve our productivity but more importantly this beautiful space will inspire us to do more,” said Cindy Trask, Science Department Chair and Upper School Science teacher.
Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, St. Catherine’s School is a private, all-girls pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. We provide a well-rounded educational experience for girls from communities across Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and all of central Virginia. St.Catherine’s all-girls educational experience is rooted in more than a century of history and tradition. From our revolutionary past to our dynamic present, St. Catherine’s has always focused on preparing students for a boundless future.
