Gorecki Dining Center

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A construction site with partially built metal framework for a new building. The background shows existing structures, and the ground is covered with dirt and construction materials. Skids and wrapped items are visible in the foreground.
Construction site with large pipes laid in a dirt trench. Metal beams are used for support across the trench. Buildings and vehicles are visible in the background, with trees lining the horizon under a clear sky.

Construction of Gorecki Dining Center, beginning August 2006 (Click on thumbnails for larger image)

In order to more accurately meet the needs of the College of Saint Benedict and its students, the Gorecki Dining Center was created.  The dining and conference center replaced an older cafeteria in the basement of the Main Building, which the college had been using since 1913. 

Gorecki (pronounced “Gore-ET-skee”) was built in the center of the CSB campus and its construction began in August 2006.  Ben and Dorothy Gorecki were present at the groundbreaking ceremony, where President Maryann Baenninger revealed the center would be named after the couple, due to their continued support of the college and gift of $3.5 million to begin construction of the $12 million new center. 

A large group of people gathered outdoors in front of construction equipment and banners. They are posing for a group photo on a sunny day. The scene suggests a community event or celebration.
Groundbreaking of Gorecki Dining Center, August 29, 2006
Three people, two women and a man, stand smiling in front of a sign for the Gorecki Dining and Conference Center. The sign includes an illustration of the building. The people are dressed in casual and business attire.
President MaryAnn Baenninger with Ben and Dorothy Gorecki at the Groundbreaking
A woman is speaking at a podium with a microphone, wearing a black jacket and pink shirt. Several clay pots are displayed on a table nearby. A poster titled "Our Place in the World" is attached to the podium. A brick wall and window are in the background.
President MaryAnn Baenninger speaking at the dedication ceremony, August 29, 2007

(Click on thumbnails for larger images)

The Gorecki Dining Center was dedicated on August 29, 2007.  The first floor serves a variety of purposes, the main being a student dining center.  It also houses a conference room, lobby, and fireplace.  The lobby is utilized as a bus stop between campuses, and it includes a small bakery, food, and coffee convenience stop for students on the go.  Another lobby is located on the backside of the first floor, connecting Gorecki Dining Center to Clemens Library.  The second floor is used less for student needs and includes a major banquet hall and lobby that overlooks the first floor.  Also on the second floor is a smaller dining space, the President’s Conference Room.  The banquet hall, which can be split into three separate spaces using movable room divider panels, is used for a variety of campus-related events, and can also host other events such as weddings.  A special catering service is located on the second floor to accommodate the needs of these events.

A curved brick building with large windows stands under a clear blue sky. Young trees line the sidewalk, and another building is visible in the background.
Gorecki Center Exterior (2011)
A two-story brick building with a large clock tower. The structure has several windows and an entrance with glass doors. The sign reads "Library and Technology Center." The surrounding area has a small amount of greenery.
Gorecki Center Exterior (2011)
A spacious, empty restaurant with wooden tables and chairs neatly arranged. The lighting is warm, and there are cushioned booths along the back. Large windows in the background let in natural light.
Gorecki Dining Center (2010)
A spacious lounge area with several couches and armchairs arranged on a red carpet. The room features large windows, wooden tables, and a fireplace, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Fireside Lounge (2010)
A large conference room with rows of empty black chairs facing two projection screens at the front. The room has a tray ceiling with recessed lights and round hanging fixtures. A podium stands near the screens, and there's a windowed wall in the background.
 Conference Room 204 (2010)

(Click on thumbnails for larger images)

Glass windows and doors were added to the west entrance in the summer of 2009 to make the entryway more energy efficient.

For more information about events and conferences, please go here.

Selected Bibliography:

Special thanks to Ariel Smelter ’12 for drafting this text.