When Bishop Seabury Academy christens its new arts facility Thursday evening, Head of School Don Schawang thinks it will instill a bit of pride in his students.

He recalls the cramped quarters off Kansas Highway 10 that the school called home for six years.

“You could fit probably about six of the old school’s stages onto our present stage. Four of the gyms we had before could fit in the one we have now,” he said.

As Reese Hall is dedicated in a ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday, at the school, 4120 Clinton Parkway, Schawang thinks the building represents the school’s investment in its students.

“I think a lot of students will come in and see how serious we are about growth and serving individual students. That sense of pride and knowing what a student is receiving when they come here … the building underscores that,” he said.

The building, named after major donors, is the result of a capital campaign that raised almost $1.3 million. More than 20 donors gave more than $10,000, including a $500,000 matching grant from Gilbert and Louella Reese, Granville, Ohio, grandparents of three Seabury students.

Sarah Mesker, admissions director, said the 7,000-square foot building houses six classrooms for foreign language courses, as well as visual and performance arts. It was completed in May.

Schawang said the building will help attract new students.

“The new building is a really palpable indication that we’re moving in the right direction,” he said.

Inquiries about admission are at an all-time high, he said.

With Reese Hall completing the most recent capital campaign, begun in November 2006, Schawang said another will soon begin.

“I feel like where we want to go will make even a more impressive impact on the students and their education here at the school,” he said.