Nicholas Center Honored with Award for Innovation
Minndependent, the largest statewide organization serving private and independent schools in Minnesota, has named Hill-Murray’s Nicholas Center the 2022 recipient of its Program Award.
The award honors “an innovative or successful program that supports engagement and academic achievement for the school, students or faculty”.
“The Nicholas Center has been a wonderful enhancement to Hill-Murray’s academic program and truly reflects the spirit of this award,” says Minndependent President Tim Benz. “The Nicholas Center meets a significant need and is a shining example of the academic innovation found in private and independent schools across Minnesota.”
The Nicholas Center, which opened in 2012 with help from a $5.5 million gift, provides individualized support for student’s intellectual, personal, social and spiritual needs.
Some of its services include tutoring, strategic study, and elective courses that meet students where they are academically, guidance and college counseling, and peer listening.
In addition, Hill-Murray is currently the only Catholic school in Minnesota with a full-time Clinical Psychologist on staff who can provide medical diagnoses for students with learning differences.
The Nicholas Center currently serves close to 180 students with varied needs.
“The Nicholas Center is vital to living out our mission of giving all students the tools and support they need to fulfill their God-given potential and make a positive difference in our world,” says Hill-Murray 
President Melissa Dan. “We are honored that Minndependent recognizes its importance as well and are grateful for this award.”
The Program Award will be presented at the Private and Independent Education Awards on May 1, 2022 at the Mendakota Country Club in Mendota Heights.
