Alumni Weekend | Swank Student Center Dedication
6/11/2009
On Friday evening, June 5, Kiski’s Reunion Weekend kicked-off with a special dedication ceremony for the completion and naming of the new Swank Student Center. Kiski honored the Swanks and many other alumni, businesses and foundations that made the Swank Student Center a reality through their generous support. More than 200 alumni, faculty, parents, regional leaders and friends gathered at the School to celebrate.
The Swank Student Center is named in honor of the Swank Family. Russell and Ellen Swank made a leadership donation to get Phase II of The Building Our Future: A Campaign for Kiski underway. Three generations of Swanks have attended Kiski. Russ’s late father, Russell C. Swank Jr. graduated in 1942 and was a Kiski Trustee for many years. Russ and Ellen Swank have four children: Amanda, Derek, Andrew and Katie. Derek and Andrew graduated from Kiski in the 1990s.
The recognition of the Szilagyi Great Room in the Swank Student Center was also a significant part of the evening. Tamas and Brigitta Szilagyi, two remarkable people, who continue to play a special role in the lives of the Kiski community were honored for their more than 45 years of service to the School. They have been teachers, mentors, counselors, and friends to many. The Szilagyi Great Room was named in their honor, where memories are made and companionship enjoyed, a perfect way to honor Tamas and Brigitta as an extension of the hospitality that generations of Kiski boys have experienced.
Steve Szilagyi ’88, Associate Headmaster of Advancement said, “We are pleased to have hosted a special evening recognizing Russell and Ellen Swank, my parents, Tamas and Brigitta Szilagyi, and everyone who generously contributed to this project. The Swank Student Center is another wonderful example of our commitment to providing our students with the best experience possible.”
The Swank Student Center is located in the heart of campus and has become the hub of student life. It houses the college and academic counseling suites, the campus bookstore (The Cougar Den), a snack bar, a radio/media station, meeting rooms and additional group recreational areas. The Swank Student Center allows students from every grade to interact and socialize together bringing a new dimension to the Kiski experience.
For many, this was a first opportunity to visit the Swank Student Center and the Szilagyi Great Room; a portrait of Tamas and Brigitta Szilagyi was unveiled to much acclaim. Painted by Kevin Kutz '73 and commissioned by Chris Hassler '73 and David Conrad '85, this work is a true expression of alumni appreciation for the Szilagyi's dedication to Kiski.
The Swank Student Center was designed by Architects Pieper, O’Brien and Herr and its program elements and design are based on the results of surveys that provided input from students, faculty, trustees, alumni and parents. Groundbreaking for the $3.5 million project occurred in May 2008. The construction of the new building was completed in February 2009 and students, faculty and families are enjoying the new space.
Christopher Brueningsen, Headmaster of The Kiski School says, "Russ and Ellen Swank have been faithful friends of our School for many years. We are sincerely grateful for their generosity and their commitment to advancing our mission. I'm pleased and proud that we will have an opportunity to honor the Swank family by associating their name to our newest building on campus. The excitement about the Swank Student Center among current and prospective students, parents, faculty and alumni is truly amazing.”
In Digital Media class, students wrote and produced a video expressing their sincere gratitude to the Swanks, alumni and all donors to the Swank Student Center. Their video captured the students and faculty thankfulness of the wonderful expansion to our campus.
Once again, thank you to everyone who made the Swank Student Center possible.