20 Years of Conlan

20 Years of the Conlan Center

This year marks a special anniversary for the Penguins — it’s been two decades since the Sister Samuel Conlan Recreation Center opened its doors and ushered in a new era in Dominican Athletics and campus life. On February 22, more than 160 alumni joined students, neighbors, friends, faculty and staff to celebrate 20 years of the Conlan Center. The event featured an open house and reception during the Penguins’ women and men’s basketball games against Pacific West Conference rival Azusa Pacific. Former student-athletes, coaches, and athletic directors were recognized in on-court ceremonies at halftime. The open house and basketball doubleheader were the highlights of an entire #ConlanTurns20 weekend, also featuring alumni basketball and softball games, lacrosse matches, and a softball doubleheader. Kicking off an era of remarkable transition, the Conlan Center was officially dedicated on April 29, 2000, the same day that Dominican announced its name change from Dominican College of San Rafael to Dominican University of California. Named in honor of Sister Samuel Conlan, Dominican’s fifth president and retired professor of English, the recreation center was the first new campus building in 37 years and was part of a broader vision for athletic success and community engagement. Nicknamed “The Igloo,” the Conlan Center can accommodate a capacity crowd of 2,098. Returning Penguins, some of whom practiced in “The Barn” (with its three rows of bleachers) and played their home basketball and volleyball games at Marin Catholic or College of Marin, enjoyed reminiscing about their home court challenges, while more junior alumni were proud to return to the site of their athletic achievements. Now headquarters for the Penguins’ 11 NCAA intercollegiate sports, the Allen Sports Club, Dominican Recreation Sports, and Dominican Summer Sports Camps, the Conlan Center is a vital hub of activity, playing host to everything from lectures and academic conferences to rap concerts to Commencement. During the Northern California wildfires of 2017, the Conlan Center even served as a staging area for 200 American Red Cross staff and volunteers who assisted in relief efforts. The past two decades have brought remarkable changes to the Dominican campus. It’s impossible to see the future of our athletics, recreational, and community programs without seeing the Conlan Center. Thanks for a great 20 years, Conlan!