More than 200 members of the St. Francis High School community gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Sobrato Family Learning Commons, the newest facility on the Mountain View campus.
“The Sobrato Family Learning Commons will become the gathering point of student activity,” St. Francis President Kevin Makley said at the July 8 event. “It will be a place where we fulfill our Holy Cross mission of educating the whole person spiritually, intellectually and socially.”
Designed with a focus on a modern learning environment, the facility will open for students in the fall. Smart boards, computers and wireless access replace traditional blackboards and chalk in the classrooms and collaboration rooms. The opening of the building coincides with the launch of the school’s 1:1 iPad program, in which all students and teachers will work with an Apple tablet.
“We wanted a library that would encourage students to learn together, and the Learning Commons definitely embraces this idea,” Principal Patricia Tennant said. “I know the students will be thrilled to use such a beautiful and well-thought-out facility.”
The Learning Commons resembles a college student union. The first floor houses key student services, a snack bar, the Lancer Locker store and a gathering area.
“The Sobrato Family Learning Commons will be a first-rate environment to learn (in) and will serve Lancers for generations to come,” Makley said.
The dedication ceremony featured a Mass and blessing by the Most Rev. Thomas Daly, Auxiliary Bishop of San Jose, and a ribbon cutting by the Sobrato family. Makley thanked key supporters of the project, including John A. and Sue Sobrato and John M. Sobrato (Class of 1979), developers and leaders who have left their mark on many local communities.
“They not only helped put Silicon Valley on the map by becoming the largest and most successful development company in the valley, but directed their efforts toward giving generously to organizations seeking to make life better for those in need,” Makley said.
The Sobrato family has a long history of involvement with St. Francis: John M. actively supports the Sobrato Scholars Program, which provides financial aid to students who would not be able to attend St. Francis otherwise. His parents were the first recipients of the Holy Cross Heritage Award, the highest honor St. Francis presents for service, commitment and dedication to the school.
The student center, located on the first floor, bears the Haughey family name in recognition of Ginny and Richard (Class of 1968) Haughey, longtime contributors to St. Francis. The Haugheys have supported several other construction projects at St. Francis and contribute to Holy Cross Achievers scholarships.
The school library, situated on the second floor of the new facility, is named after the Cassin family. BJ and Bebe Cassin, both philanthropists, have championed many school programs. BJ, a venture capitalist, co-founded the St. Francis Growth Fund and an employee recognition program.
“The Sobrato Family Learning Commons will transform student life,” Makley said. “The new library will be a magnet for students throughout the day, and the student center will constantly bustle with activity.”
In addition to the dedication ceremony, the event featured the induction of individuals into the Brothers of Holy Cross Society and Founders’ Circle in recognition of their generosity.
