George and Mary Turek Hall of Science: A New Chapter in a Nearly 100-year Mission of Education and Evangelization – Novi, MI.

On Sunday, August 11, 2024, hundreds of Detroit Catholic Central School community members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science, a 57,000-square-foot facility dedicated to advancing STEM education while remaining deeply rooted in the Basilian Fathers’ nearly century-old mission at Catholic Central.

Large crowds of students, parents, staff and alumni gathered for the opening ceremony, totaling nearly 2,500 people. Photos generously provided by DCC Staff.

The Basilians, who founded Catholic Central in 1928, have long championed the integration of faith and learning, a tradition exemplified by the new science hall. The building was fully funded by generous donors, with no impact on tuition, ensuring the accessibility of a top-tier Catholic education for future generations.

Mr. George Turek, whose parents the building is named after, officially opened the science center by cutting the ribbon. Photos generously provided by DCC Staff.

The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with an array of advanced resources, including a 4-meter Observa-Dome with a GPS-controlled Celestron telescope, a 130-seat immersive theater and lecture hall, and a RedBird 180° flight simulator approved by the FAA. This simulator allows students to practice during ground school and accumulate flight hours toward a pilot’s license in partnership with a certified flight instructor. Additionally, the hall houses eight dedicated science labs, an engineering lab, a FIRST Robotics competition field and workspace, and an advanced manufacturing facility for robotics.

Very Rev. Kevin Storey CSB, Superior General of The Basilians, Fr. Patrick Fulton CSB, Principal of Catholic Central, and Guest speaker Marcus Luttrell, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, whose story and involvement in Operation Red Wings inspired the movie “Lone Survivor”, starring Mark Wahlberg as Marcus. Photos generously provided by DCC Staff.

“The George and Mary Turek Hall of Science is a true blessing for our Catholic Central family. This building not only enhances our academic offerings but also reflects our commitment to nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. We are deeply grateful to the Turek family for their generosity, which allows us to continue providing an education rooted in faith and excellence. May this Hall of Science be a place where our students grow in knowledge and wisdom, guided by the values of our Catholic faith.”  observed Fr. Patrick Fulton, CSB, Principal of Catholic Central.

The opening of the Turek Hall of Science is a milestone in Catholic Central’s ongoing dedication to providing a comprehensive education that combines academic excellence with spiritual growth, preparing students to excel in their future endeavors while remaining grounded in their faith.