GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Calvin University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on March 2 for its new business school building, according to a news release Wednesday.
The establishment of the school was announced last spring after a $22.25 million anonymous gift – the largest single gift in the university’s history.
The ceremonial groundbreaking will be held at 11 a.m. with limited in-person guest list in the parking lot adjacent to the DeVos Communication Center, which will be the future site of the business school building.
It will also be livestreamed.
“This innovative space will not only provide greater opportunities for our current students and faculty, but it will also allow us to adapt and expand our offerings to reach new populations of students,” said Ken Erffmeyer, vice president for advancement. “Our business program continues to grow both in student enrollment and in academic offerings, so to have a space like this to support this growth and advance the program’s excellent reputation is exciting.”
The building project will cost about $11.5 million, including the construction of the 15,000-square foot building that will house new offices, modern classrooms, contemporary breakout spaces and large gathering areas.
Funding to improve shared spaces in the existing DeVos Communication Center – which will connect to the School of Business – is also included in the construction cost.
Remaining funding from the $22.25 million gift will provide significant endowment funds that will be used to support the new dean of the School of Business and business faculty.
University officials say the endowment should serve as a catalyst for a number of new academic programs intended to serve new populations of students at Calvin.
“The purpose of business is to serve by providing goods and services, meeting human needs and promoting human flourishing,” said Michael Le Roy, president of Calvin University. “Our goal, and the donor’s intent, is to advance business knowledge and skills on a Christian liberal arts foundation characteristic of Calvin’s mission. This beautiful new space will provide a state-of-the-art environment where our students, faculty, alums and business leaders will be able to collaborate in carrying out this important work.”