Corsair Student Center & Sr. Frances Dolan, BVM Atrium


Goal: $7 Million


The Corsair Student Center will be the social hub of the Carmel Catholic community. This unique space will encompass a joint renovation of the existing cafeteria and student lounge, combined with an additional build-out of 4,300 square feet to the east. The expanded space promises to become the heart of campus, a place to develop healthy relationships, enjoy countless positive experiences, and improve emotional wellness. It will seamlessly join with the new Sr. Frances Dolan, BVM Atrium (expansion of 1,700 square feet) to form a magnificent structure demonstrating Carmel Catholic’s bold and inspired vision for what teens need today—and into the future—from their high school.
Intentionally leaving behind the concept of a traditional student lounge and cafeteria, the Corsair Student Center will become the go-to gathering spot for students any time of the day. The space will feel modern, accessible, and fun; its design incorporates everything and then some—including indoor and outdoor spaces, contemporary food and drink preferred by teens, appealing entertainment options, study and prayer areas, and accessible socialization areas. Its essence will be forming short- and long-term connections among the student body and access to the many services and programs offered by Carmel Catholic.
Plans call for the Corsair Student Center to be open before school begins and long after the final bell rings, including weekends.
The addition, set to extend east from the existing cafeteria, will house a pizza shop complete with booth seating, a small rounded stage on which students can play music, make a speech, or deliver an impromptu comedic performance, a refurbished lounge with stylish, eco-friendly furniture, and plenty of greenery and natural light, including the live Gratitude Tree.
Within the existing cafeteria footprint, three new distinct spaces—a juice bar, coffee shop, and game room—will define Carmel Catholic’s new favorite hangout.
Just west of the central hub, re-configured outdoor courtyards, distinguished by what will be a sizable three-season room, mark the final component of the Corsair Student Center. The open spaces will facilitate freedom of movement among students, who will now have many different places to enjoy lunch or fellowship with classmates while waiting for practice or a ride home.
Outside the Corsair Student Center, an open-air Carmel Catholic Veterans Memorial Plaza will honor all military alumni by showcasing tribute bricks as a show of gratitude.
Goal: $2 Million

The striking, glass-enclosed Sr. Frances Dolan, BVM Atrium, will be equal parts beautiful and versatile, and is named to honor Sr. Frances Dolan, BVM, pictured at right, a beloved fine arts faculty member (1970-1975). Serving as a gateway to the Auditorium and Corsair Student Center, the community-centered space will offer an array of opportunities for enjoyment and engagement.
During the renovation process, which is currently underway and scheduled to conclude by early fall 2025, the footprint of the current auditorium foyer will be enlarged and entirely re-imagined. The Atrium’s translucent design will allow natural light to fill the space. Its proximity to the well-maintained campus grounds gives students an outdoor view to reflect and consider a connection to nature and the larger world.
Sr. Dolan often asked students to “Rise to the Occasion.” Now, a new space dedicated in her memory will provide many opportunities for students to shine.
“Sr. Fran Dolan was a wonderful teacher who made a lifetime impression on me and so many of my classmates,” says Atrium lead donor Joe Nemmers ’73. “She shared her musical talent and taught us lessons we still use today.”
Socialization will happen in the Atrium at an incredible pace. From senior Corsairs sharing a meal, which can be obtained in the nearby Student Center, to students experiencing programs on leadership and college counseling, to the 50+ pre- and post-theatrical and other event receptions hosted throughout the year, the flexible nature of the Atrium holds great potential. Open seating arrangements, special evening lighting, and interior greenery will add to the appeal of the space.