New buildings renamed

Oct. 21, 2004
By Jody Ferres
Layout Editor

They’ve spent all but four years of their professional lives helping to groom and mold St. Ambrose University.  They say they’ll always be Ambrosians at heart.  And after their time at SAU is done, their legacy will live on.

And so will their name.

During last Friday’s dedication ceremony for the new $15.3 million student center, the board of regents announced the building will officially be called the Ed and Bobbi Rogalski Center.

“When the board of directors began considering a name for this University, we looked for someone who epitomized the St. Ambrose hallmark qualities,” said John Anderson, a 1987 graduate of SAU and member of the board of directors.  “It seemed entirely natural to decide upon Ed and Bobbi Rogalski.

Dr. Rogalski and his family have been with SAU since 1968, when he joined the college as dean of students.  Since 1987, he has served as president of the college.  Today, Rogalski is one of the longest-serving university presidents in Iowa.

During the dedication ceremony, Dr. Rogalski gave an almost tearful speech to the SAU community.

“How incredibly humbled we are,” said the SAU president.  “My prayer is that this building is where the deep questions are asked…and where they hopefully will be answered.”

During the dedication, a large plaque and picture of the Rogalski’s in the student center was unveiled by their grandchildren.   Mrs. Rogalski, having served next to her husband promoting the college, was humbled as well.

“One of our greatest privileges in life is to serve this outstanding institution for 36 years,” she said.  “I can’t imagine we would have been happier any place else in the world.”

During the Homecoming festivities, another new building on campus was named.  The new $5 million residence hall has been named Bechtel Hall, in honor of the Bechtel family and the Bechtel Family Trusts and Foundation.

According to information from the SAU Communications and Marketing office, the Bechtel Family gift of $3.8 million was one of the two major gifts for campus construction needs.  The other major contribution was given by Jim and Mary Hagen.

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