131 S Broadway, Escondido

Grand Opening

June 11–13, 2026

John Paul the Great Catholic University invites you to join us for a series of celebratory events as we unveil our new Creative Arts Complex in downtown Escondido!

All events are FREE and open to the public - join us for one or all of the occasions below!

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Schedule of Events

This free lecture in our Power of Beauty series is titled “The Role of Beauty in the New Evangelization.” Prof. Justin Panlasigui will share reflections on the enduring role of beauty in drawing the human soul toward truth and goodness, and on how art, culture, and rightly ordered creativity can serve the Church’s mission of evangelization.

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This event will highlight JPCatholic’s commitment to being an active creative partner in Escondido. Community members are invited to explore the new complex, meet faculty and students, and learn how JPCatholic plans to continue collaborating with local artists, organizations, and creatives through shared projects, events, and cultural initiatives.

  • 7:00 - Refreshments & Welcome from President Derry Connolly
  • 7:15 - Remarks from Kevin Meziere, Chief Operating Officer
  • 7:30 - Tour of the Creative Arts Complex
  • 8:00 - Networking and a showcase of student projects
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Join us for the formal grand opening of JPCatholic’s new Creative Arts Complex, 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.

  • 1:30 - Blessing and remarks from Archbishop Cordileone
  • 2:00 - Dr. Connolly and key faculty will share what this new complex means for JPCatholic’s campus community
  • 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
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Transforming our Campus

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 will connect the two buildings, and 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.

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