131 S Broadway, Escondido
Saturday, June 13, 2026
John Paul the Great Catholic University invites you to join us for the dedication of our Creative Arts Complex in downtown Escondido, a celebration showcasing how it will be used for our students this fall.
The event is FREE and open to the public!
RSVP NowSchedule of Events
The dedication of our new Creative Arts Complex represents a milestone moment for the university and the wider community. We are honored to welcome Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, who will offer a blessing as we dedicate this new space to creative formation and JPCatholic’s mission to impact culture for Christ.
- 1:00 - Doors Open: Refreshments
- 1:30 - Blessing by Archbishop Cordileone
- 1:40 - Remarks from Archbishop Cordileone
- 2:00 - Dr. Connolly and key faculty will share how this new complex will be used by our students this fall
- 2:30 - Guided Tours, Refreshments, and Games
- 4:00 - Vigil Mass
- 5:00 - Break for Dinner (many options on Grand Ave)
- 6:30 - Jazz Concert by student band The Rhapsodics
Parking Information: The event takes place at 131 S Broadway, Escondido. Plenty of public parking is available nearby, including City Lot 2 on the corner of Maple St. and 2nd Ave.
Special Guest Archbishop Cordileone
Archbishop of San Francisco
We are honored to have Archbishop Cordileone provide the blessing for our new Creative Arts Complex. While Auxiliary Bishop in the Diocese of San Diego (2002-2009), he was instrumental in helping us obtain Bishop Brom’s consent to start JPCatholic as a Catholic university.
Transforming our Campus This Fall
The 30,000 sq. ft. facility will more than double our academic space
This new, two building complex will house our cinematic & visual arts programs in one, and our performing arts in the second - each offering state-of-the-art resources for student learning and alumni collaboration across our creative continuum. A courtyard connects the two buildings, and will serve as a venue for community events, outdoor performances, and student life activities.
This flagship complex will equip our growing student body with the resources needed to produce impactful projects across the creative arts. These include an illustration studio, acting rehearsal studio, along with additional classrooms, computer labs, and more.
Learn More
FAQ
Is there an event still happening on Friday, June 12?
No - the event “JPCatholic: A Creative Hub for Escondido” has been rescheduled - stay tuned for details.
Is the Power of Beauty lecture happening that week?
Yes, Prof. Justin Panlasigui will be giving a lecture titled “The Role of Beauty in the New Evangelization” on Thursday, June 11, 5:00pm. You are invited to join us in-person at the Student Life Center, or on Zoom! Register for free
Will the Creative Arts Complex be used for students this Summer Quarter?
No. It is expected that we’ll start using the new complex for classes by Fall Quarter 2026. The event on June 13 will showcase the newly finished buildings and preview the ways each space will be furnished and used this fall.
Any other questions?
Contact Ken Sharrar: ksharrar@jpcatholic.edu