The J. Anthony '57 and Donna M. Dill Center for Academic Success
Coming Soon!
The J. Anthony '57 and Donna M. Dill Center for Academic Success is a 6,300 square-foot space for School Counseling, College Counseling and Administration. It is located on the first floor of the main building in an area previously occupied by the cafeteria. High ceilings with large glass openings provide natural daylight throughout the space, which includes 14 offices, three reception lounges, three storage rooms, two conference rooms, one large work room/kitchenette and one reprieve room.
>>> View photos (below) of the groundbreaking ceremony and the architectural floor plan.
SLUH Breaks Ground on The J. Anthony ’57 and Donna M. Dill Center for Academic Success
GO FORTH INITIATIVE FUNDED BY $3 MILLION COMMITMENT FROM DILLS
SLUH broke ground on The J. Anthony ’57 and Donna M. Dill Center for Academic Success on March 3, 2020. The event celebrated the start of construction on the new home for School Counseling, College Counseling and School Administration, beginning in August. This new space is funded by a $3 million gift from the Dills.
“We are very grateful to Tony and Donna Dill for their incredible generosity in support of our Jesuit mission,” says SLUH President Alan Carruthers. “The J. Anthony ’57 and Donna M. Dill Center for Academic Success fulfills a key component of our Go Forth strategic vision that prioritizes financial accessibility, program excellence and a 21st century campus.”
The J. Anthony '57 and Donna M. Dill Center for Academic Success is a 6,300 square-foot space located on the first floor of the main building in an area previously occupied by the cafeteria. High ceilings with large glass openings provide natural daylight throughout the space, which includes 14 offices, three reception lounges, three storage rooms, two conference rooms, one large work room/kitchenette and one reprieve room.
This new space complements significant resources that SLUH has committed to student health and well-being through the Counseling Department. It also supports the newly established College Counseling Department, which provides programming and tailored support for families in the college selection process.
SLUH students over the last five years scored an average of 30 on the ACT. Last year, 40 percent of test takers scored a 32 or higher (98th percentile), with eight top scores of 36. In May 2019, SLUH administered 896 Advanced Placement examinations to 442 students; 88 percent scored a 3 or higher, qualifying for credit at most colleges and universities.
SLUH's Go Forth bicentennial campaign has received commitments of more than $57 million toward the goal of $70 million. Early campaign accomplishments include:
- Strong support for financial aid
- Establishment of the College Counseling Department, allowing SLUH to bolster efforts in both college counseling and student guidance counseling
- Expanded service and retreat programming
- The Madonna della Strada Retreat Center, SLUH’s own retreat and leadership center on 82 acres near Troy, Mo.; undertaken extensive expansion and renovation of this facility to better accommodate faith formation program
- Opened the James Guth Costigan ‘62 Innovation Lab, 5,200 square feet of maker space for robotics, STEAM curriculum and project-based learning
- Launched Arabic language and culture studies within the curriculum
- Undertaken comprehensive curriculum evaluation and interdepartmental planning and collaboration
In addition to creating The J. Anthony '57 and Donna M. Dill Center for Academic Success, Go Forth will: renovate and restore the Chapel and install the David J. and Kelly E. Laughlin Campus Ministry Center; re-open and transform the old auditorium (currently offices and classrooms) into a 21st century library, research and world learning center; and make the school’s extraordinary annual commitment to financial aid permanent by adding $10 million to the endowment.
SLUH is grateful to Tony '57 and Donna Dill for committing $3 million to fund the creation of The J. Anthony '57 and Donna M. Dill Center for Academic Success. View a conversation with the Dills (video link above) to learn more about their motivation to support Jesuit education in such a meaningful way.