Ribbon Cutting Held for Opening of St. John Paul II Newman Center

In January 2015, the Archdiocese of Omaha purchased 3.5 acres of land in Aksarben Village to build a Newman Center (JPiiOmaha.org) for UNO students.  Construction on the 100,000 sq. ft. facility is nearly complete.  This brand-new facility near UNO’s Pacific Campus, 71st and Pacific Streets, will be a home away from home for many.  Its location in Aksarben Village gives students easy access to bike trails, shopping and entertainment offerings, dining variety, Baxter Arena, UNO shuttle services and medical facilities.  The building will open in Fall 2016 and will house 164 students within apartment-style dorm rooms.  To commemorate, an official ribbon cutting ceremony was held on August 15th followed by a reception and tour.  Archbishop George Lucas also blessed university students and the Newman Center building.

The Newman Center is a spiritual home where University of Nebraska-Omaha and area college students can thrive with others in support of their faith.  The beautiful new structure is designed with elements representing the early life of St. John Paul II in Poland and his appreciation of the outdoors and natural beauty.  Structural elements include natural limestone, white oak and brick foundations.  The chapel will feature pale stained glass windows that will filter natural light to create warmth and beauty in the sacred space.  The commons area will feature tall windows enabling residents to view an outdoor courtyard and the tree-lined Papio Creek and Keystone Trail.  Located on-site is a rectory for the pastor and associate pastor. For more information on the St. John Paul II Center, please visit JPiiOmaha.org.