Dedication of the Al Peterson '50 Student Life Center

Over the summer of 2024, space on the ground floor of the South Wing of campus was transformed into the new Al Peterson '50 Student Life Center.

Classmates, friends, family, and loved ones gathered on the Central Catholic Campus on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, for the milestone ribbon cutting ceremony marking the official opening.

Click here to view photos from throughout construction on Raider SmugMug.

This new space is home to our Raider Athletics and Activities Offices and serves as a hub of student life on campus. With 30 varsity sports programs and more than 50 different clubs and activities, the new Peterson Student Life Center will certainly be a busy place.

This project was made possible by the generous support of Al Peterson '50.

In This Article

• Dedication Photo Album
• About Mr. Al Peterson '50
• Student Life at Central Catholic
  • Raider Athletics
  • Raider Clubs & Activities

 

Dedication of the Peterson Student Life Center

Wednesday, October 20, 2024

Click here to view and download photos on Raider Smug Mug

 

About Al Peterson '50

The Center is named for and dedicated to loyal alum Mr. Al Peterson '50, who has been associated with Central since his entrance as a freshman in 1946. The new area will serve as a vibrant hub for student activities and also houses the Athletics Office.

"The thought that my name will live perpetually at Central Catholic is awesome, especially knowing that the Al Peterson '50 Student Life Center will serve so many Central Catholic students for years to come. This is a true honor that I will cherish and is probably the highlight of my life," said Al Peterson '50.

For decades, Mr. Peterson has also remained a steadfast fan of Raider Athletics and he can often be found sitting in the stands cheering for our dedicated student-athletes.

"As an 84-year fan of Raider Athletics, a former student-athlete myself, and a supporter of the various clubs and activities, I could not have picked a better location to have my name. I am proud to be a loyal supporter of Central Catholic, the school I love so much."

During the ceremony, Mr. Peterson shared many stories about his own CCHS athletic accomplishments, especially the 1950 Baseball Team who went on to win a championship. A photo of the team hangs in the Al Peterson '50 Student Life Center to honor that special moment.

"While Central Catholic is blessed to have so many devoted alums and benefactors, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who is more loyal than Al Peterson '50. He has served as a member of our Board of Directors and on advisory committees in Athletics, Development, and Buildings and Grounds, to name just a few," stated Mr. Christopher Sullivan '81, President of Central Catholic. 

"More importantly, he has been an advocate for all our students and a living embodiment of our school's mission. It is so important that this Center bears his name. Located in the center of a campus that he helped to build, the Al Peterson '50 Student Life Center will be a place where coaches, moderators and most significantly, students will meet, plan and grow."

Several of Mr. Peterson's classmates were in attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony including Mr. Larry Bellorando '50 (a teammate on the 1950 Baseball team) and Bro. William Lavigne '50, who joined us from Rosalie, NJ to offer the blessing for the new Peterson Student Life Center.

"Mr. Peterson's relationship with Central Catholic began over 80 years ago when his father brought him to a game," said Mr. Zach Blaszak, Director of Athletics & Activities, "and we are eternally grateful for his loyalty that continues to this day."

"A countless number of students, coaches, faculty, and staff members have benefited from his love and generosity towards Central Catholic. The Peterson Student Life Center is not only a sign of our gratitude to all that Al has done, but just another way that his legacy and love of Central will shine through for years to come."

“Mr. Peterson’s generosity continues to contribute to the betterment of Central’s students. We are so grateful for the Al Peterson '50 Student Life Center, a new space that embodies what makes CCHS such a great community that inspires success,” said senior Addison Beers '25.

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Student Life at Central Catholic

Our students are passionate and involved.

Central Catholic's many clubs, activities, and teams provide students with the chance to develop a life-long interest while forging life-long friendships.

Students forge bonds with classmates and teachers while enriching their lives and pursuing their interests beyond the classroom.

Raider Athletics

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, eager newcomer, or an enthusiastic fan – you’ll be captivated by the dedication, pride, excellence, and heart at the core of our athletic program. Central Catholic offers 30 varsity sports teams, with more than half of our students playing on at least one of them.

All students are welcome to play competitive athletics at Central Catholic, although participation in sports is not required.

Our teams, which traditionally offer competitive play at three different levels – freshman, jv, and varsity – are a great place to meet friends and achieve your athletic goals.

Raider Athletics

Raider Clubs & Activities

Our many clubs & activities provide the chance to develop a life-long interest while forging life-long friendships.  Students are encouraged to get involved with any of our clubs and activities and to even start your own so you may fully embrace being part of our community as a CCHS Raider!

Students can explore our Online Activities Guide to find the best fit for their personality, talents, and interests.

Online Student Activities Guide

Resources for Student Activities

The Online Student Activities Guide

This Week in Raider Nation

The Raider Rundown

The Student Activities Calendar