Forming Hearts and Minds
Marian High School opens new art and science wings
By Sarah Kittle
Marian High School marked a significant milestone late last year with the official opening of its new Wanink Art Wing and Fisher Family Science Wing, a major step forward in the school’s long-term campus improvement plan. The ribbon cutting, held October 28, celebrated the completion of Phase One of a multi-year renovation campaign aimed at enhancing both academic rigor and creative exploration for students.
Students are already fully immersed in the new spaces, which school leaders say are transforming not only how classes look, but how teaching and learning happen every day.
“This is probably the largest and most impactful phase of our campaign,” said Marian President Heather Sofran, a Marian alumna herself. “These spaces truly elevate the experience for our students—academically, creatively, and holistically.”
A Dedicated Home for STEM
The new science wing consolidates Marian’s STEM classrooms into one modern, fully equipped hub. The renovation includes five science laboratories and a computer lab, all redesigned to support hands-on learning and collaboration.
“The functionality is what has changed everything,” said Stacey Cushman, Marian Principal and longtime educator and administrator. “Every lab group has access to sinks, movable tables, pull-down electrical outlets, and modern equipment. Students aren’t watching science anymore—they’re doing it.”
Teachers report that the updated design allows for flexible room configurations, improved safety features such as large fume hoods, and easier access to microscopes, laptops, and lab tools. The result is a learning environment that mirrors what students will encounter in college-level science courses.
“Our goal is for students to walk into a university lab and feel confident and prepared,” Cushman said. “This gets them there.”
Art as a Core Pillar of Education
While many schools nationwide are reducing arts programming, Marian chose to expand it—intentionally and visibly.
What began as a logistical reorganization grew into a full-scale art wing, now named in honor of alumna Billie Jo Wanink, Class of 1963. Wanink, an interior designer and business owner, left Marian a significant estate gift with the intention of directly impacting students’ daily lives.
“Her gift came at exactly the right moment,” Sofran said. “It felt like divine intervention.”
The Billie Jo Wanink Art Wing includes a digital media lab, painting and drawing studio, and a fully equipped pottery studio with double the number of pottery wheels previously available. Kilns are now housed directly in the classroom, allowing students to spend more time creating and less time transporting materials.
“For us, art is not an extra—it’s essential,” Sofran said. “We believe deeply in holistic education. Every student deserves the space and resources to explore her strengths, whether those are in science, art, or both.”
One of the most distinctive additions is Marian’s new makerspace—an enclosed, soundproof creative lab open to students throughout the day. Equipped with 3D printers, Cricut machines, sewing equipment, and soldering tools, the space encourages experimentation, problem-solving, and peer-led learning.
“We already have students stepping into leadership roles, teaching workshops, and helping others learn,” Cushman said. “That kind of confidence and initiative is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.”
School leaders say the makerspace will continue to evolve, supporting new courses and interdisciplinary projects in the years ahead.
Community and Alumni Support
The $7 million campaign has been driven largely by Marian’s alumni and legacy families. The Fisher Family provided a $1 million lead gift for the science wing, inspiring additional support from families such as the Ebbings, who now have a named classroom in the facility.
Many of the companies involved in the renovation—from construction and HVAC to engineering and design—were led by Marian alumnae or parents of graduates.
“This project was truly built by the Marian family,” Sofran said. “It was personal.”
To date, the campaign has raised approximately $5.7 million, with continued fundraising underway to support future phases.
Phase Two, planned for this summer, will focus on upgrading Marian’s remaining hallways with new windows, HVAC systems, and energy-efficient improvements in the school’s original 1959 structure. A future Phase Three is expected to address athletic facilities.
For Marian’s leaders, the renovations are not about changing the school’s identity—but strengthening it.
“Our mission has always been to educate strong women of mind and heart,” Sofran said. “These spaces simply allow us to do that better; in the world our students are entering today.”
Years from now, administrators hope students may not remember every detail of the labs or studios—but they will remember how Marian made them feel.
“A sense of confidence. Belonging. Preparation,” Cushman said. “That’s the legacy we want these spaces to leave.”
