Marymount Officially Arrives in San Pedro’s Historic Downtown District

Marymount College’s heart and soul ceremoniously merged with that of San Pedro with the grand opening of the Marymount College Waterfront Campus on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. In front of a crowd of nearly 300 people, the College’s first new campus in decades was formally opened and celebrated by national and local leaders, members of Marymount’s board of trustees, and a variety of key community supporters. Congresswoman Janice Hahn and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa each offered their congratulations along with the presentation of formal seals of recognition at the 222 W. Sixth Street location. Marymount’s president, Dr. Michael Brophy, thanked faculty, staff and students for their patience with this phase of expansion and singled out the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, the San Pedro Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District (PBID) and the San Pedro Arts & Academic Alliance for their key roles in developing the new downtown campus.

“The beginning of the Waterfront Campus is one of the most significant things to happen to San Pedro in a long time,” said Chuck Klaus, benefactor to the College. “To have Marymount College in downtown San Pedro is a win-win situation. The students get a diversity of experience here as well.” The Marylyn and Chuck Klaus Center for the Arts at 430 W. Sixth Street is scheduled to open in August 2012. With these two locations on Sixth Street, as well as the Arcade Gallery and partnerships with the Warner Grand Theatre and the Grand Annex, Marymount’s downtown campus will be the “anchor tenant” to San Pedro, said Stephen Robbins, executive director of the PBID.

Reverend Mark Villano, the chaplain of Marymount College, offered an eloquent blessing with Marymount students reciting biblical readings. The crowd reigned in its excitement for these moments of poignant reflection. Dr. Brophy reiterated the importance of continuing Marymount’s mission of service in tandem with the exciting turn of events, which began with its four-year accreditation in 2010. Mentioning Marymount’s service learning program and the 25,000 service hours students have dedicated over two years to organizations such as the San Pedro Boys & Girls Club, Brophy added that “students get to learn what it means to be human by serving others.”

While today was the formal dedication, since August the latest in classroom technology has been implemented by upper division classes at the Waterfront Campus. Administrative offices have also been buzzing with activity in what was formerly the Northrup Grumman building in the heart of the San Pedro’s Historic Waterfront District. “We have reached new heights in our mission,” said Brophy. “This last year has been the most exhilarating!”

“Opening Marymount’s Waterfront Campus has become a major benefit to Marymount, San Pedro and the greater Los Angeles area,” said Burt Arnold, president of the Marymount’s board of trustees. “We are proud to have Mayor Villaraigosa’s and Congresswoman Hahn’s support.” View Slideshow of Event