The University of Saint Francis is inviting the community to the grand opening celebration at the new USF Downtown. Several events are scheduled throughout the day to officially open the education spaces in downtown Fort Wayne.

Grand Opening Schedule of Events:

· 9:30 a.m. – Business Center Blessing and Ribbon Cutting

· 11 a.m.-3 p.m. – Open House and Block Party

· 5:05 p.m. – Greater Fort Wayne. Inc. reception

Visitors can tour the USF Business Center at 826 Ewing Street (former Chamber of Commerce building), which is now the home for the Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership. This facility also houses the university’s META (Media Entrepreneurship Training in the Arts) program and the Risk Management and Insurance program. Students in these programs have greater opportunity to interact and learn from nearby business leaders in the new downtown setting.

At 431 W. Berry Street, visitors can tour the Music Technology Center, which features state-of-the-art audio engineering equipment, along with innovative performance spaces and recording studios. USF students will study and learn in studios designed with help from professionals employed by music industry leader Sweetwater. The partnership benefits students as well as USF graduates who frequently become Sweetwater employees.

The USF Downtown project has been designated an official Bicentennial Legacy project as part of Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration.

“We are excited that students will be walking these halls this fall,” said USF President Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF. “It is fitting that these spaces that hold historic value transform to learning spaces for future leaders.”

A festive block party begins at 11 a.m. and will feature music and food trucks over the lunch hour. The public is welcome to enjoy the fun and get a sneak peek at the new USF Downtown.