The Nell J. Redfield Foundation has pledged $2 million in support of the William N. Pennington Student Achievement Center at the University of Nevada, Reno, a 78,000 square-foot building that will unite a myriad of student services now scattered across campus. It will connect students to dedicated and convenient services to support their academic success and timely graduation, as well as foster diversity, student engagement and student success.
“The Redfield Foundation has watched the University grow into a nationally ranked, top-tier university; one that has found a way to thrive, even in a challenging economy,” said Redfield Foundation Director Jerry Smith ’03 (honorary degree). “The University is the engine that drives our local economy, provides an educated workforce and attracts outside businesses. If we continue to enhance that vision through projects such as the Pennington Achievement Center, our ability to attract businesses and people to our community will improve, and the University will more effectively compete with other universities for talented students.”
The William N. Pennington Student Achievement Center will be located in the site of the former Getchell Library, and demolition and removal of Getchell Library was completed in mid-February. Construction is scheduled to start by mid-summer and the facility is slated for completion in 2016.
“Support for this project is a testament to the foresight of our donors, including the Redfield Foundation, who understand the future is now for our University, our students and our community,” said University President Marc Johnson. “We are deeply grateful to the Redfield Foundation for recognizing that what we offer our students today determines their tomorrow.”
The total cost of the project is estimated at $44.5 million and will be supported by private gifts and the capital-improvement fee paid by students. The William N. Pennington Foundation made a $6 million lead gift to name the center, representing half of the $12 million in philanthropic support the University is seeking for the center. The facility will be further funded by $21 million in student capital improvement fees and $11 million from the University.
During the past three decades, the Redfield Foundation has committed more than $35 million to the University, including substantial support of the Redfield Campus, the William N. Pennington Health Sciences Building, the Nell J. Redfield Foundation Auditorium in the Davidson Mathematics and Science Center, the School of the Arts Act One project and the Morrill Hall renovation. The foundation has supported the University of Nevada School of Medicine Student Outreach Clinic and Sports Medicine Fellowships, and has pledged significant support of research efforts at the School of Medicine. The foundation also established the Nell J. Redfield Foundation Scholarship Program for National Merit Scholars at the University of Nevada, Reno, and has supported a variety of student success programs, including the academic boot camps. The foundation’s generosity extends to nearly every corner of the University, including the Orvis School of Nursing, intercollegiate athletics, the renewable energy program and many other areas across campus.
To learn more about supporting the University of Nevada, Reno, contact John Carothers, vice president for development and alumni relations, 775-784-1352 or [email protected].
