Gates Hall
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and current William & Mary Chancellor Robert M. Gates ’65, L.H.D. ’98 is being honored by an anonymous alumna’s $30 million gift with the first academic building in the nation that bears his name. Brown Hall, currently a vacant building on campus, will transform into Robert M. Gates Hall and will serve as a hub for research and teaching that spans disciplines, addressing global challenges such as economic development and inequality, geopolitical conflict, national security and conservation. Gates Hall will be home to the Global Research Institute, the Institute for Integrative Conservation and the Whole of Government Center of Excellence.
Sustainable Design, Integrated Space
Gates Hall will encompass two wings with a courtyard in the middle. A spectacular atrium and an outdoor learning space are among the many ways in which the design will connect the built environment with the natural environment, the inside to the outside, people to nature and people to people.
Using sustainable design principles, the construction project will reduce waste by renovating rather than demolishing the building. Gates Hall will incorporate gathering spaces and common areas to spark collaboration and redefine how academic structures can help advance big ideas.
Scheduled for groundbreaking in fall 2024, Gates Hall is set for completion in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Williamsburg anticipates millions of visitors throughout that year and beyond to celebrate the historic milestone.
Be a part of this historic transformation. Naming opportunities are available, and those who wish to support the building or one of the academic centers may contribute to one of four endowments that are being established for this purpose.
Interested in learning more about naming and giving opportunities for Gates Hall? Contact Evan Lichtenstein, assistant vice president for development, schools and academic initiatives, at eclichtenstein@wm.edu or 757-221-1979.
Endowments
Timothy J. Sullivan Endowment for Gates Hall
Funds distributed from this endowment will provide support for the renovations, enhancements and improvements to, and continued maintenance and repair of Gates Hall, including but not limited to the grounds, infrastructure, furniture, fixtures and equipment.
Katherine A. Rowe Institute for Integrative Conservation Endowment
Funds distributed from this endowment will be used to provide support for the most pressing needs of the Institute for Integrative Conservation.
W. Taylor Reveley, III Global Research Institute Endowment
Funds distributed from this endowment will be used to provide support for the most pressing needs of the Global Research Institute.
Paul R. Verkuil Whole of Government Endowment
Funds distributed from this endowment will be used to provide support for the most pressing needs of the Whole of Government Center of Excellence.
A New Central Hub
A LEED-certified, state-of-the-art facility, Gates Hall will be home to three university-wide centers. All three generate research of national and international consequence: the Global Research Institute, the Institute for Integrative Conservation and the Whole of Government Center of Excellence. Gates Hall will also host prominent events such as the nonpartisan Gates Forum, chaired by Chancellor Gates, which convenes leaders from across the political spectrum to chart improvements in U.S. policy.
Interested in learning more about naming and giving opportunities for Gates Hall? Contact:
- Evan Lichtenstein, Assistant Vice President for Development, Schools & Academic Initiatives
- 757-221-1979
- eclichtenstein@wm.edu