Immaculate High School Opens New Business Innovation Center

**News Release Submitted by Immaculate High School**

Oct. 24, 2025

Immaculate High School officially opened its new Business Innovation Center on Thursday, October 23 marking another milestone in the school’s commitment to preparing students for college, careers and leadership in a rapidly changing world.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together faculty, alumni and community partners, including Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, to celebrate the launch of this cutting-edge space designed for hands-on business education, entrepreneurship and innovation. The center includes collaborative workstations, presentation technology, stock market trading simulation through Interactive Brokers software and flexible areas for project development—all modeled after real-world environments.

Immaculate alumni Chris Palmer ‘68, a former NFL coach, and Rob O’Neill ‘91, chief financial officer of pharmaceutical company Viatris, played a crucial role in funding and championing the Business Innovation Center.

“The business world is increasingly grappling with complex ethical dilemmas, particularly around the use of Artificial Intelligence,” O’Neill said. “Addressing these challenges requires more than technical expertise—it demands a foundation rooted in ethics, empathy and service. Immaculate’s Business Innovation Center is uniquely positioned to prepare students for this reality. By fostering a learning environment grounded in responsibility, compassion and reverence, the center empowers students to become thoughtful leaders who can navigate the moral complexities of modern business.”

“I think this is yet another thing that sets Immaculate apart from other schools,” said Palmer. “If you come for a visit and have any inkling for doing something in business, this center is going to jump out at you. I think it’s going to take off–and it’s fun!”

Interest in business and entrepreneurship among high school students is growing nationwide, and Immaculate is on the cutting edge of that trend, providing students with the resources, mentorship and technology to explore finance, marketing, leadership and startup ventures.

“This is an exciting day for Immaculate!” said Head of School Wendy Neil. “Business education should feel like the real world. Now, thanks to the help of our alumni, community and partners, our students will practice the skills that colleges and employers value most.”

The Business Innovation Center will serve as the home base for Immaculate’s business program, offering students opportunities to develop practical skills and gain exposure to the fast-evolving world of business and technology. The school will also host a speaker series in the center during which outside business leaders can share their expertise with Mustangs.

The center is already having an impact on students. “When I’m teaching an accounting class and kids ask me about stocks I can reference the ticker now,” said George Bielizna, business teacher at Immaculate. “It’s all live and they can watch it. It gives them a feeling that they are close to Wall Street and it’s constantly moving–so it makes students feel connected to a larger world out there.”

Following the ceremony, guests toured the new space and viewed project demonstrations showcasing creativity, problem-solving and collaboration in action. The new facility is part of Immaculate’s ongoing investment in advanced academic and career spaces that prepare students for success. Recent additions include a state-of-the-art eSports Lab, Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical Room and renovated science and fitness facilities, reflecting the school’s forward-looking strategic plan.