The Andrean Fall 2014

eadmaster Kevin McHenry still shakes his head at the memory of current parents Michael and Wendy La Brier walking into his office nearly three years ago with a vision and the lead gift to build an arena.

“I was stunned,” he says. The gift would become $5 million, one of the largest pledges ever made to the School. It would also help to fulfill SAC’s long-held dream of having its own arena.

It was an appealing offer; however, the School had just launched a $28-million capital campaign, and the idea of adding additional millions to finance an arena didn’t seem feasible.

Nevertheless, the proposal was sent to SAC’s Board of Governors, Campaign Committee, and Leadership Team. After much deliberation, it was decided to accept the La Briers’ generous leadership gift and add a third and final phase to the now $37M Not An Ordinary Place Campaign.

It was determined that a multi-use facility—one with an NHL-sized ice surface, dedicated weight and fitness training area, and a club room for social events—would best serve the needs of the School community.

Graziani & Corazza Architects were commissioned and worked with user groups to ensure essential elements were incorporated into the design.

Bolt Developments was awarded the building contract, and Turner and Townsend, which had already been engaged to oversee SAC’s interests in the Phase 2 academic building, would manage the arena project as well.

With full support from the Town of Aurora, pleased to have another ice pad in the community, plans and permits were fast-tracked.

The Advancement Team refreshed the campaign material, and William Scoular, Head of Drama, created a three-minute hockey video 6 Fall 2014