St. Agnes School in St. Paul dedicated the $17.6 million Ubel Activity Center on its Thomas-Dale neighborhood campus Nov. 12, naming the new space in honor of Father John Ubel, the former superintendent of the St. Paul school and pastor of St. Agnes Parish who was influential in saving the school from closing.
Led by an initial gift of over $11 million from St. Paul philanthropists John Nasseff and his wife, Helene Houle, the new activity center was built on the site that included the former high school gymnasium, Bandas Hall. The new facility includes upgraded spaces for vocal and instrumental music as well as the visual arts, additional classroom space, an expanded gymnasium, and a student commons area.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens joined current St. Agnes pastor Father Mark Moriarty in presiding at Mass and blessing the new activity center. A procession through the new building included a sprinkling rite and the distribution of blessed crucifixes into the many spaces. The new gymnasium will be named Bandas Gymnasium to continue to honor the late pastor.
The center was named for Father Ubel at the request of the donors.The school was on the brink of closing in 2007 when Father Ubel approached Nasseff for funds to keep St. Agnes open. Nassef offered $500,000 if others donors could match his gift. They did in, and the revitalized school has since more than doubled its enrollment to 650 students in grades kindergarten through 12.
Father Ubel is now rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul.
