The College of William & Mary (W&M) in Williamsburg, Virginia, has announced a $30 million gift from a W&M Foundation trustee and alumna who wishes to remain anonymous to establish a multidisciplinary hub that will work to address global challenges, such as economic development and inequality, geopolitical conflict, national security, and conservation.

Named Robert M. Gates Hall in tribute to former U.S. secretary of defense and current W&M chancellor Robert M. Gates (’65, LHD ’98), the building, slated to re-open in 2026, will be home to three university-wide centers: the Global Research Institute, the Institute for Integrative Conservation, and the Whole of Government Center of Excellence. The university and foundation will partner to utilize sustainable design principles to transform the nearly century-old Brown Hall property into a LEED-certified facility to include two wings with a courtyard, atrium, outdoor balcony, and outdoor learning space. In addition to the lead gift, endowments have been created to support the academic centers and the long-term care of the building. The building will host prominent events such as the annual bipartisan Gates Forum, chaired by the chancellor.

“We are deeply grateful for our trustee’s passion for conservation and sustainability—so important to the work that will take place in this special building,” said W&M president Katherine A. Rowe. “Like the chancellor, she is a true servant leader; she does not seek recognition for herself. Through her partnership, across the university, she has inspired us to aim high. Gates Hall will build on other initiatives that her generosity has brought to life here.”

“This is the greatest honor I’ve received in my lifetime,” said Gates. “William & Mary is where I felt called to public service, and I can see that the call to make a difference is still felt strongly here. This building will serve as a hub for generations of students and faculty to cultivate new ideas to contribute to the nation and the world.”

(Photo credit: Wikimedia/Ser Amantio di Nicolao)