THE SHAPE OF OUR LEARNING FUTURE: This 3D rendering highlights the design elements of NDCL's new Learning Commons. To get a close-up view of the design, just click the image.

"The best part is that we have surpassed our targeted goal of $650,000 in pledges and gifts by April 5," Sister Jacquelyn explained. "Now we can move forward with a certain hope that we can double this amount in the next three months because of the goodness and generosity of our donors who believe not only in this project but also in our students and our mission," she added.

With an eye to the future, Sister Jacquelyn and the other members of the project team continue to work closely with HBM Architects on the design of the new Learning Commons. The architects have generated an impressive 3D rendering of the plans to date.

Seniors Brett Skrusha and Zach Shipley are among the many students who have already studied and commented on the rendering, which is on display in the library. Although they won't be here to take advantage of the new space, both are enthusiastic about its possibilities.

"This is great because kids can work together, access information, and build off one another's learning," Brett said. "The design does a good job of planning for how kids learn today," added Zach.

The deadline for raising the remaining $550,000 for this part of our 25th Anniversary Initiatives is June 30, 2014. Click here for more information on the project.