TMP-M dedicates new learning commons

Bishop Gerald Vincke acknowledges Fr. Blaine Burkey during the dedication of the new TMP Learning Commons, which is named for Burkey. Burkey is a former TMP teacher.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Thomas More Prep-Marian unveiled its new Learning Commons during a Hays Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.

Principal Chad Meitner said the school is undergoing a complete renovation of its interior, and this is just one stage of what will be a lengthy process.

School officials realized, he said, the school’s old library was antiquated and not being used by teachers or students.

Fr. Blaine Burkey prepares to speak at the dedication of the new Learning Commons at TMP that was named for him.

“We realized that we needed to do the space differently,” he said, “organize it and stack it with flexible furniture, with materials that are meaningful for what the students are needing to research and learn and study. That required a complete new beginning and a new space.”

The new 3,600-square-foot space on the main floor of the building, includes shelves full of books, study areas, a conference room and a pull-down screen for multimedia presentations.

Students are being asked to work more in groups, give presentations and do more in-depth research than just a Google search. Meitner said he thought the Learning Commons would be a space conducive to that type of learning.

You can still check out a book, but also receive help with digital research, Meitner said.

“It’s a space for others too,” he said. “If there is a group that would like to reserve it because they have a reception or a speaker and they want to have a good, conducive setting to have an event, let us know. … We are open to listening to how we can share it with others.”

The former library on the third floor has been renovated into a junior high classroom and high school study hall.

The commons was named for Fr. Blaine Burkey, who served at TMP-M for 27 years. As the director for the Center for Research, he believed in the value of the written word and significance of preserving historical knowledge. He now resides at a friary in Denver, but was on hand Friday for the dedication.

“The word ‘commons’ means it is a place for everybody — learning for everybody,” Burkey said. “I thought that was pretty good.”

Bishop Gerald Vincke was also on hand to bless the commons.

“We listen to the news, and there is so much bad news,” he said. “This is great news. This is the desire of the Lord for this to happen. We are thankful to God for this day and this opportunity to bless this Learning Commons.”