The University of Virginia (UVA) has announced a $50 million gift from alumnus and Virginia Beach-based developer Ramon W. Breeden, Jr. (’56) in support of business education and athletics.

The gift includes $25 million for the McIntire Expansion Project, a reimagining of the physical footprint of the McIntire School of Commerce, including renovations to interior and exterior spaces, such as expanded walkways, green spaces, and outdoor meeting areas. To be supported with another $25 million in matching funds, the project also includes the construction of Shumway Hall, slated to be complete in 2025.

The remaining half of the gift will support the Virginia Athletics Master Plan, which encompasses a new athletics complex, including a football operations center, an Olympic Sports Center, and the Center for Citizen Leaders and Sports Ethics, three natural-grass practice fields, and a pedestrian promenade. Pending approval, spaces contained within the McIntire School and the athletics complex will be named for Breeden.

A 1956 graduate of McIntire, Breeden is board chair of the Breeden Company, a national developer of multifamily and commercial projects. His son, C. Torrey Breeden, executive vice president of the Breeden Company, graduated from McIntire in 1997.

“UVA is the heart and soul of my education,” said Ramon Breeden. “It was truly the pinnacle of my education. The McIntire School prepared me to go toe-to-toe with Ivy League graduates. UVA’s business school didn’t just teach me about business practices, the school also taught me to have the confidence to speak. I learned how to be actionable in business because of my time at McIntire. In addition, I am an avid fan of many sports and believe they play a crucial role in teaching and promoting camaraderie.”

(Illustration credit: Robert A. M. Stern Architects & and Glavé & Holmes Architecture, via UVA)