Cadigan has a long history with Amherst, during which he served as assistant chaplain and minister at the College.
"He was a person that was so popular that we literally had to limit the number of invitations we sent out," Coordinator for Religious Life Paul Sorrentino said.
The ceremony consisted of remarks from President Tom Gerety and Professor of Religion John Pemberton III, followed by Cadigan himself.
Music was provided by the Gospel Choir and a buffet luncheon followed. Approximately 100 guests attended and a tent and tables were set up behind the Center.
"His generosity, leadership, and enduring spirit have inspired generations at Amherst College," read a plaque commemorating the dedication.
While at Amherst, Cadigan served as class president for two years, in addition to playing varsity football.
He went on to study theology at the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, and he was a Simpson Fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge University, in England. He was ordained in 1935 and began his ministry in the Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst.
Throughout his career, Cadigan worked in Maine, Massachusetts, and New York before being elected seventh Bishop of the Episcopal Diocase of Missouri in 1959.
"The Center doesn't have to be about theology and religion but about life," Sorrentino said. "George Cadigan also represented the best in religion as a person of faith who acted out his convictions. He took strong positions against racism, against the Vietnam War, and was alert to ways he could get involved in people's lives."