Breaking into the Future
This week, La Jolla Country Day School ceremoniously broke ground on its most visionary project: The Hub for Human Impact. More than just a building, the Hub represents a bold commitment to the future, designed to equip students not just for exams, but for creating real change in the world.
“The future needs leaders who can think creatively, work collaboratively, and take on human-centered challenges,” said Head of School Jeff Terwin, Ph.D. “This space will help our students go beyond themselves and use what they learn to elevate others.”
Assistant Head of School and Chief Operations Officer Kevin Worth echoed that vision through the lens of design and community partnership:
“This is innovation, change, and the future of Country Day. We’re not just building a facility—we’re designing an experience that reflects who we are and who our students are becoming.”
A Community United by Purpose
On the evening of May 15, leadership-level donors and key stakeholders in the project gathered to celebrate the culture of generosity that makes The Hub possible. The ceremony gathered trustees, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, architects, builders, and friends of the school—each one playing a role in what Board Chair Jen O’Brien described as “people giving generously so that students can achieve, excel, and impact the world.”
Parent and board member Faisel Kahn captured the heart of the project:
“You can run fast alone, but you can run farther together. That’s what this building is about—creating a space where students collaborate, think, and grow as a community.”
The Hub is designed to be just that—a dynamic, human-centered learning environment where collaboration thrives and constantly evolving problems are tackled with empathy, curiosity, and courage.
“I think the future needs kids who are comfortable with change,” said parent and board member Dermott O’Shea. “I work in technology, so I see the pace of change is accelerating, especially now with AI. There’s a huge opportunity in that. This facility can provide that comfort level with change, which already puts students ahead of the game.”
Designed for Human Impact
Created in partnership with domusstudio architecture and Dempsey Construction, the Hub was envisioned with intentionality—both in design and mission. “The idea was to engineer for people,” said architect John Pyjar. “It’s a space that invites you to stay, to connect, to belong.”
Domusstudio and Dempsey are rooted in San Diego, and that local connection mattered deeply. “Being local is huge,” said Bryce Raleigh, president of Dempsey Construction. “We’re fully invested in San Diego County, and it’s an honor to be part of something that aligns so closely with our value of teamwork.”
Kevin Worth doubled down on the significance of local partnerships. “To have industry-leading partners that understand the San Diego community the same way we do, that’s a game changer. We’ve built a dream team.”
As Pyjar noted, the design process was a reflection of the community itself: collaborative, thoughtful, and values-driven. “You can tell this team works with kids every day. They know what’s needed and brought that insight into every project detail.”
A Reflection of LJCDS Values
The name “The Hub for Human Impact” was chosen to reflect a larger purpose: preparing students to connect their knowledge to their impact. That mission resonated with every community member in attendance.
“This building shows that LJCDS is not just rinsing and repeating,” said parent Kevin Hoover. “Whether it’s college or career, having a building on campus to learn by experiencing something in real life, you can’t ask for anything more.”
Lucy Smith Conroy ’90, lifer, parent, and former board chair, agreed. “Country Day has always been at the forefront of education. This building culminates years of dreaming and planning about what comes next for this extraordinary place.”
As construction officially begins on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the school’s centennial celebration in 2026 looms on the horizon. For many, the timing is no coincidence. “To ribbon-cut on the Hub during the school’s 100th year?” said Raleigh. “That’s not chance. That’s vision.”
Students Break into Their Future
On the morning of Thursday, May 15, the entire school gathered in the Middle School quad for a joyful ceremony where students and faculty had a chance to break ground on their future. Every student, faculty, and staff member was present as representatives from each grade stepped forward, shovels in hand, to dig into the earth and launch the next chapter of LJCDS.
Amid cheers, laughter, and pride, senior class presidents and lifers Ria Loomba ’25 and Jack Levin ’25 addressed the school with heartfelt reflections:
“Good morning, everyone! And welcome to this historic moment in the life of our school,” said Ria. “We’re so honored to be here today as your senior class presidents, and maybe even more honored to say we’ve both been Torreys since junior kindergarten.”
“This campus has been more than a school to us; it’s been home,” added Jack. “This new space isn’t just a building. It’s a bold step into the future; a place where ideas will grow, creativity will thrive, and every Torrey will have a place to connect, collaborate, and make an impact.”
“Whether you’re just starting your journey in the Lower School or getting ready for your senior year, you’re the reason we’re building this,” Ria said. “You’re the future. And we can’t wait to see what you do with it.”
Dr. Terwin also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the school’s commitment to listening and designing with intention:
“Students, we listened to your feedback; you need space to work, connect, and have fun. Teachers, we want to honor you with spaces worthy of your awesome work.”
The groundbreaking wasn’t just symbolic—it was deeply personal. Jack reminded the crowd, “Just as this school shaped us, we know The Hub for Human Impact will shape generations of Torreys to come.”
What’s Next
Construction on The Hub for Human Impact will officially mobilize during the week of May 19, 2025. The first steps will include the installation of perimeter construction fencing, followed by utility location services for gas, water, and sewer lines. The proposed date for demolishing the existing Community Hall is Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
To follow construction updates, visit thehub.ljcds.org/updates.
