Topping Off Ceremony Marks Major NLC Milestone
On Feb. 13, 2026, SI and Devcon Construction commemorated the topping off of the New Learning Commons. Traditionally, the topping off is a celebration for the construction company and workers tied to the installation of the highest point in a building, an important milestone in large construction projects.
SI students, faculty, administrators, and supporters, along with representatives from Devcon and architectural firm Mark Cavagnero Associates, signed a special beam that later they watched be put into place on the NLC.
At the ceremony, SI President Joe Vollert explained that during Monday Morning Ministry held on campus, priests regularly give praise and thanks for the construction workers. He continued, "We are not just building classrooms — we are building a community. These workers show up every day, work as a team and share their talent with us. Their sweat and toil is being poured into this project, and we could not be more grateful."
Devcon Project Manager Mike Niblett said, "Devcon takes immense pride in being a key member of this project team, which comprises Mark Cavagnero Associates, their numerous consultants, our subcontractors, and the exceptional St. Ignatius project management team. It is truly inspiring to witness everyone's hard work and dedication materialize in the form of this rising structure. Congratulations to everyone involved. We eagerly anticipate not only the successful completion of this project but also the many years of enjoyment and use it will bring to the St. Ignatius staff and students.'
See photos from the ceremony and views of the NLC's construction progress below, and the full photo collection from the event here. The building is on track to open in 2027. Learn more about how the NLC will define Jesuit education in San Francisco for the next century at www.siprep.org/nlc.
