CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. – Students, alumni, faculty, staff, community leaders, and friends of Thomas More gathered on Sept. 10, 2024, to celebrate the opening of the University’s new Academic Center with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The 34,000 square-foot facility is home to the Robert W. Plaster College of Business, the Dr. Anthony ’65 and Geraldine ’66 Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Center for Faith, Mission, and Catholic Education, and the Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III ’67 Institute for Religious Liberty.

The ribbon cutting event included a short ceremony with remarks from University and community leaders, and a blessing of the building led by Msgr. Gerald Twaddell.

“When I look around today, one of the things I am struck by is the tremendous friendships that we have created over the last five years,” Thomas More University President Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D. said during the event. “The work that we do…is to ensure that a mission-driven, Catholic liberal arts education is alive and well. And today, you’re seeing how alive and well that is.” 

Construction of the Academic Center is a key outcome of the University’s 2021-26 Strategic Plan: Lighting the Way and the supporting Second Century Campaign: It’s time for More, which has surpassed $40.3 million in support, to date.

The Academic Center features state-of-the art classrooms and learning environments for the Robert W. Plaster College of Business, including an accounting lab, a technology and prototyping lab, meeting rooms, student huddle spaces and faculty offices. The new facility supports the growth of the College of Business, including the addition of new degree programs such as finance, marketing, and hospitality management. Additionally, the Wilbert L. Ziegler ’53 Auditorium, located on the first floor of the Academic Center, features seating for over 300 guests and becomes a primary event space for the University.

“As a student, it feels especially meaningful to be a part of this moment, as this building is so much more than just a new addition to our campus,” said Shelby Thompson, president of the Thomas More student government association. “This new academic center is not just a collection of classrooms and study spaces; to us students, it is a symbol of our community’s commitment to fostering an environment where we can learn, grow, and dream.” 

About Thomas More University

Founded in 1921, Thomas More University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, challenging students to Make It More. Deeply rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, this timeless foundation supports a transformative educational experience as students looking to Be More are guided in the pursuit of knowledge, ethical leadership, and the integration of faith and reason. Through the high-quality, liberal arts education provided at Thomas More, students examine the ultimate meaning of life, their place in the world, and their responsibility to others which leads to the ability to think critically and contribute meaningfully to the world. Serving more than 2,300 students, Thomas More takes its place as the premier Catholic university in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region, being named one of the 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal. 

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MEDIA CONTACT: Kristen Gallagher, director of communications & PR, gallagherk@thomasmore.edu, 859-344-3309