Veritas Building officially opened

ACU’s newest building was officially blessed and opened at the Canberra Campus on Wednesday 21 March.

The Veritas Building has been described as the heart of the Canberra Campus and places student needs front and centre. It includes student commons, the Lewins Library, a lecture theatre, the AskACU Centre and a multi-purpose function space.

The opening and blessing event was hosted by the Chancellor the Hon John Fahey AC, while Most Rev Christopher Prowse, Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn presided over the blessing of the building.

Attendees included the Chancellor the Hon John Fahey AC, Pro-Chancellor Mr Julien O’Connell AM, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Greg Craven AO, GCSG,  Vice President Father Anthony Casamento csma, Provost Professor Pauline Nugent, Chief Operating Officer Dr Stephen Weller, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Assisting the Vice-Chancellor and President and Professor of Catholic Philosophy Professor Hayden Ramsay.

Speaking at the opening event, Professor Craven described the Veritas Building as “genuinely student-centred”.

“Since the beginning of discussions about this building and throughout the planning, design and execution, the central goal and key to the building has been to enhance the experience of students,” Professor Craven said.

“At ACU we really do believe that a beautiful campus is a better place to study; that the quest for truth requires space, quality facilities and opportunities for collaboration and silent study.  This building is an example of our beliefs and our commitments."

ACU Chancellor, the Hon John Fahey AC explained that the name of the building, Veritas, was in keeping with the other buildings on the site: Signadou – the Sign of God; Blackfriars – for the Dominican Friars; and Rosary Church and Rosary Primary School - in reference to the place of the Rosary in the story and vocation of the Dominican Order.

“Veritas means truth and this links both with the Dominican heritage of the Campus and the motto given to it by the Dominicans. It also ties into the University motto: Truth in Love. Above all it looks forward to the quest of our students for a deeper and stronger discovery of the truth, now during their time at ACU and beyond as they seek to transform their communities for the better,” Hon Fahey said.

Canberra Campus Dean Associate Professor Patrick McArdle said: “Veritas has already been used in its most sacred role as a place for students where they are called, encouraged and nurtured to grow into the best possible people they can be.”

“The beauty of this space is part of that call into holiness and to become people who are and will be blessings to those they serve. We believe that Veritas will contribute to our graduates’ capacities to be highly competent in their professions, ethical in their behaviours and to be champions of the common good.”