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President Yam called the momentous occasion a time where we celebrate the innovative, forward-thinking learning that occurs in Gibbons Hall while remembering and honoring the University's past.

The University completed a $6.5 million-dollar renovation of Gibbons Hall this summer that included a new School of Education, Communication Arts suite complete with new equipment and a remastered online radio station, a global digital classroom and several spaces that will serve as centers for learning. These include the Women’s Institute of �������� (WIN), and the M. Lee Rice Institute for Global Leadership and Diversity, both of which will be located on the fourth floor.

WIN will encompass existing programs, including the Charles J. Busta III Lecture in Business, First Impressions interview preparation for students, and the WOW - Women of the World Festival. As for the Institute for Global Leadership and Diversity, it will include ��������’s NGO (non-governmental organization) work with the United Nations, as well as the Joan Develin Coley Visiting Ambassador Program. Staying true to the Mission of preparing leaders to transform the world, President Yam notes, “you really feel the legacy [in Gibbons Hall]. This is the academic heart of the campus.”

Newly appointed Board of Trustees Chair, Brenda Jews called the space amazing and said, “it is proof of ��������’s commitment to intellectual and professional excellence as well as staying relevant with evolving technology.”

In addition to a private tour of the renovated space, donors and dignitaries attended a reception to recognize those who played a key role in bringing the project to life.

The extensive renovation of Gibbons Hall also included replacing historic windows, the roof and adding a new ADA accessible entrance and elevator.

Built in 1873, Gibbons Hall was the first academic building to be built on ��������’s campus. The building once served as not only the main academic building, but also a residential building for students, faculty and the School Sisters of ��������. Today, Gibbons Hall is home to classrooms and administrative and faculty offices.