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Qubein Family Supports Transformative Library Renovation
A major renovation to Westchester Country Day School’s library is transforming the space into a modern learning hub.
Nido and Mariana Qubein, longtime supporters of Westchester and education in High Point, committed $1 million to update the building into the state-of-the-art Qubein Center.
The comprehensive renovation will foster curiosity and innovation at Westchester. While housing the school’s library collections and volumes, the Qubein Center adds a makerspace, robotics lab and other versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for teaching and exploring.
“Our family is proud to contribute to Westchester, a school that aligns with our belief in the transformative power of education by emphasizing critical thinking, creativity and innovation,” said Nido Qubein. “These are the skills we emphasize in the students at High Point University, and we are pleased to see Westchester also committing to teaching the life skills that will prepare students for a successful future.”
The Qubein family are long-time supporters of Westchester and have entrusted the school with their children, who are proud alumni, and grandchildren. Their involvement in education extends beyond Westchester, with the Qubein Scholarship Fund providing more than 800 scholarships for local students to attend college in North Carolina since 1973.
“Their commitment to academic excellence and community serves as a great example for our students,” said Mary Keever, head of school. “The Qubein Center will help us inspire students to practice using the design thinking and science, technology, engineering, art and math skills we are including in our academic curriculum at all grade levels.”
Nido Qubein is known for leading the transformation at High Point University to a nationally recognized university listed in the Princeton Review. He has grown the campus from three to 13 academic schools and net assets of $1.2 billion. A businessman and author, his philanthropic efforts include lead gifts for the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center and Qubein School of Communications. He is also known for leading the downtown High Point redevelopment group that provided more than $70 million to purchase the High Point Rockers, stadium enhancements like Blessing Park, the Slane Family Center, Wilson Plaza, operating costs and the new Nido and Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum.
Mariana Qubein has made countless contributions in the community, including organizations such as Family Service of the Piedmont, the High Point Arts Council and Westchester, among others. Notably, she spent the last 18 years developing the award-winning gardens at High Point University. In 2019, she authored her first book, “Planting Seeds of Greatness.”
Westchester’s library building originally opened on the school campus in December 1993. This is its first major renovation in 30 years.
Spaces to Create and Explore
The renovations to the Qubein Center are adding new features to the WCDS campus.
Makerspace
Equipped with tools, electronics and materials to encourage student creativity, problem-solving skills, and hands-on STEAM projects, the makerspace serves as an extension of classroom instruction and has access to the adjacent playground, allowing for seamless integration of indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
Robotics Lab
Featuring educational robotics for all grade levels, from VEX 123 for pre-K/kindergarten to VEX EXP for Upper School, the Robotics Lab enhances computer science education and provides students with hands-on experience in robotics through advanced tools like RobotLab NAO.
Versatile Function Areas
These spaces are designed to foster collaboration, accommodate various teaching methods, support different group sizes, and meet individual study needs, creating a dynamic and flexible learning environment.
