<body><div>Benedictine celebrated the opening of new student residences on the Ridgely campus through a series of events held during the week of November 1st. The residences, known as Dugan Residential Hall, are named in honor of Sister Mary Agnes Dugan, who has provided over 50 years of dedicated service to Benedictine and hundreds of students.An organization wide open house was held Tuesday, November 3rd, giving staff and members of the Benedictine community a first look at the new building. Staff were the first to see the finished bedrooms, playroom and rock wall, family room to be used by students families when they visit, and a brand new health services suite. The event was catered by the Chesapeake Culinary Center.Board members, legislators, supporters, and community partners attended the Grand Opening on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Victoria Brennan, president of the Benedictine Board of Directors, welcomed guests and introduced Scott Evans, Benedictine CEO, who thanked the donors, legislators, vendors, board members, and staff who helped make Dugan Hall possible. Evans then introduced Carol Beatty, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, Shirley Blackston, Assistant Administrator of School Residential, and Sister Catherine Godfrey, each of whom offered remarks on the impact the new space will have on students, staff, and the organization.“Having this new home will help us provide a more safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for our students. Our students deserve a place where they can feel secure, valued and empowered, and this new residence helps to make that vision a reality.” said Shirley Blackston.Surrounded by residential students and staff, Sister Mary Agnes Dugan cut the ribbon on the new building, before guests toured the new residences. Catering was provided by Hambleton House.“Dugan Residential Hall is more than a new building. It represents our commitment to the future, our responsibility to honor the legacy entrusted to us, and our continued dedication to providing an environment where students can learn, grow, thrive, and reach their greatest potential,” said Scott Evans.Students and their families also celebrated the opening during a western themed homecoming event Friday, November 6th. Guests enjoyed dinner before students danced the night away in the new space.If you would like more information on how you can support Benedictine, please contact Caroline Bauerle at caroline.bauerle@benschool.org or 410. 634.2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.About Benedictine: Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider whose mission is to support children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine currently supports over 200 children and adults. The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. Benedictine recently opened a day school in Mardela Springs, Maryland serving intellectually and developmentally disabled students on the Lower Shore.Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 22 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, Kent and Anne Arundel Counties.Benedictine’s Life &amp; Career Services prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community. Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with over 430 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2CSLbn_1GwJnKA800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2CSLbn_1GwJnKA800" width="1299" height="875" ><figcaption>Sister Mary Agnes Dugan officially cuts the ribbon to Dugan Residential Hall</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2uYfvg_1GwJnKA800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2uYfvg_1GwJnKA800" width="1299" height="875" ><figcaption>Staff enjoy refreshments in the new community room of Dugan Hall.</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0JEUyX_1GwJnKA800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0JEUyX_1GwJnKA800" width="1299" height="875" ><figcaption>Students and families celebrate at homecoming</figcaption></figure>AI Disclosure: The Spy and its writers may use artificial intelligence tools to support accuracy and clarity in our reporting.</div></body>

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Benedictine celebrated the opening of new student residences on the Ridgely campus through a series of events held during the week of November 1st. The residences, known as Dugan Residential Hall, are named in honor of Sister Mary Agnes Dugan, who has provided over 50 years of dedicated service to Benedictine and hundreds of students.

Benedictine Opens Dugan Residential Hall

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Benedictine celebrated the opening of new student residences on the Ridgely campus through a series of events held during the week of November 1st. The res

Benedictine Opens Dugan Residential Hall

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