A perfect autumn day provided the backdrop for the dedication of the Bogle Science Center, which took place on the plaza in front of the newly expanded and renovated academic building on October 19. Trustees, alumni, parents, current and former faculty, students and friends of the School attended the event to celebrate the completion of the yearlong, $9-million project and to honor all who helped bring it to fruition.

Head of School Chris Fortunato and Chairman of the Blair Board of Trustees Doug Kimmelman P’12 ’13 ’15 ’22 each thanked the donors whose generous contributions made the transformation of the Bogle Science Center possible. Bogle Hall was originally dedicated in 1989 as Blair’s science, mathematics and computer science facility; now, it boasts an 8,000-square foot, three-story addition, and every detail of design, furnishing and technology is focused on the optimal teaching and learning of the laboratory sciences.

Science department chair Kelly Hadden expressed gratitude to Mr. Fortunato, Blair’s Chief Operating Officer James Frick, Director of Facilities Dave Schmitt, purchasing agent Marie Giuricich, maintenance staffers and the science faculty, whose efforts and hard work brought the Bogle Science Center to completion at the start of the school year. “In this state-of-the art facility, we now have the opportunity to expand our science curriculum, offer students a dynamic environment in which to grow and investigate, and offer courses that are centered on research and hands-on experimentation,” she said. “This building is truly a dream come true.”

Among those recognized at the dedication was the late Chairman Emeritus of the Blair Board of Trustees John C. Bogle ’47. His generous support and leadership as Board Chairman from 1986 to 2001 were instrumental to Bogle Hall’s much-needed construction in 1989, just as his enthusiasm and continued generosity were vital to its expansion and renovation 30 years later.

Former Headmaster and faculty member Chan and Monie Hardwick were in attendance, and, in his remarks, Mr. Hardwick noted that Bogle Hall was the first of a succession of new buildings on campus that have shaped the lives of thousands of students over the last three decades. “Today we rededicate a building that was Jack Bogle’s first leadership step in transforming the Blair campus and began his quest to inspire many others to join him,” he said. “And, in this moment of rededication, we also pause to think again on this extraordinary man, our great friend and leader, our Jack. For his time with us and for his love for Blair, we are grateful.”

Several members of the Bogle family attended the dedication and received a warm welcome from the Blair community. Bogle Hall was named in 1989 by Mr. Bogle and his brothers, William Yates Bogle III ’45 and the late David Caldwell Bogle ’47, in memory of their parents, Josephine Hipkins Bogle and William Yates Bogle Jr. Among the students who cut the ribbon to signal the official opening of the Bogle Science Center was one of this year’s Bogle Brothers Scholars, students who are beneficiaries of the scholarship Mr. Bogle established in 1968 in honor of his brothers. 

The facility’s completion marks the accomplishment of the third academics-focused building project at Blair in the past three years, as well as an important milestone in the implementation of the School’s 2018-2025 Strategic Plan, All In. Guests enjoyed touring the Bogle Science Center at the conclusion of the dedication. Throughout the facility, they glimpsed the exciting opportunities on the horizon for Blair students as they pursue coursework, passions and projects in the laboratory sciences.