Benjamin Community Celebrates Opening of Stiles-Nicholson Innovation Center 

The Benjamin community gathered the morning of October 14 at the upper school to celebrate the opening of the Stiles-Nicholson Innovation Center.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate a transformative addition to the upper school campus and the evolution of the school’s commitment to STEM education. 

“Last October, we stood on this very spot to break ground on the project you see behind me,” said Head of School Mr. Dave Faus. “Yet, even with the most detailed renderings, we could never have fully anticipated what this space would become.”

Faus called the project a “true hub for STEM at the upper school.”

The Innovation Center features state-of-the-art maker spaces and advanced laboratories designed to support hands-on learning. Although students have been using the facility for only a few weeks, Mr. Faus reflected on how quickly it has become an integral part of campus life.

“We can only imagine the individual and collective discoveries that will happen inside these walls,” he said. 

Faus emphasized the role of the new facility in empowering students to take ownership of their education, explaining that with the right tools and guidance, students can open doors to new opportunities and push the boundaries of their learning.

The center represents a collaborative effort made possible through the generosity of donors, the dedication of educators and the work of professionals who brought the project to life. Faus expressed his gratitude to David Nicholson and the entire Stiles-Nicholson team for their generosity, as well as the LaBanz family for their belief in The Benjamin School’s mission and vision. He also recognized Benjamin families the Arwoods, Glasbands, and Narlingers for their support of the Innovation Center and the school.

The project’s design and construction involved numerous partners, including PBK Architects, AMC Construction, Zabek and Associates, Urban Design Studio, Civil Design, JLRD and MC Engineers. Faus acknowledged their contributions, describing the building as a model of innovative design and collaboration.

He praised the faculty members who have worked to integrate their curriculums into the new space, with special appreciation for upper school teachers Renee Szeliga and Debra Perretta for their roles in designing and implementing the center’s use. The facilities team were thanked for their tireless work throughout the project.

Following his remarks, Faus invited LeAnne LaBanz to continue the ceremony. She emphasized her family’s proud support of educational opportunities for future generations of students.