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Elon University has received “one of the largest gifts” in its history to support phase one of its Innovation Quad.
An artist's rendering shows Elon University's planned Founders Hall and Innovation Quad.
Times-News
[SUBMITTED PHOTO], Times-News
The gift from Furman and Susan Moseley of Seattle also will expand the couple’s Susan Scholars Endowment, which provides scholarships to students in Elon’s Odyssey Program.
“We are deeply grateful to Furman and Susan for this transformative gift, their shared vision, and their ongoing support of student scholarships,” President Connie Ledoux Book said. “This is an important moment in Elon’s history. The Innovation Quad will create a dynamic learning environment that will be the entry point to STEM education on our campus.”
The university isn’t saying at this time how large the gift is, but it supports a naming commitment for the first of two planned buildings in the Innovation Quad: Founders Hall.
The quad is intended to advance science, engineering and technology studies, and cross-disciplinary learning. It will be the new home of Elon’s engineering and physics departments. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2021 between McMichael Science Center and Sankey Hall.
The IQ is among the top priorities of Elon’s LEADS Campaign and Boldly Elon, its 10-year strategic plan, which calls for advancing existing STEM programs, adding new STEM programs and expanding science facilities.
The Moseleys chose the name “Founders Hall” to honor Elon’s legacy of leadership.
“The spirit of this gift honors those who helped build Elon through the years, especially our presidents,” said Jim Piatt, vice president for university advancement. “Furman Moseley was a student during President Smith’s tenure, and went on to develop close relationships with Presidents Danieley, Young, Lambert and Book. The name ‘Founders Hall’ is a testament to the dedication and vision of many in the Elon family.”
Founders Hall will include 20,000 square feet for large workshops and prefabrication spaces, design labs for engineering, a virtual reality classroom, prefabrication labs, and student engagement spaces.
“The engineering curriculum is largely based on addressing societal needs such as access to clean water, sustainable energy sources and restoring infrastructure,” said Sirena Hargrove-Leak, associate professor of engineering, and chair of the Department of Engineering. “The key to tackling big societal issues such as these is inviting the voices and perspectives of many.”
IQ Two will provide connected classrooms and labs, group study rooms and faculty offices. The three-story, 40,000-square-foot facility will be the home for research in biomedicine, physics, astronomy, biophysics, mechanical engineering and environmental engineering.
Furman Moseley graduated in 1956 and is retired as chair of Simpson Paper Co. Susan Moseley is president of the Spark Charitable Foundation.
