University names Center for Architecture and Environmental Design
John and Fonda Elliot have become the largest donors in 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 history, providing the largest total outright gift of $10 million as well as a $2 million planned gift, benefiting the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Elliot鈥檚 generous legacy of giving, the 黑料吃瓜网 Board of Trustees voted on Sept. 12 to name the building The John Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design.
鈥淲e are deeply grateful to John and Fonda for their enduring support of 黑料吃瓜网, and I couldn鈥檛 be more pleased that these generous and humble advocates of our university will be represented in such a notable and visible way on our campus,鈥 黑料吃瓜网 President Beverly J. Warren said. 鈥淭he Elliots have created and grown a tremendous healthcare company and are respected philanthropists, so the belief they have in the strength of our architecture program and Design Innovation Initiative is a point of pride for our university.鈥
Mr. Elliot is a 1970 graduate of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design at 黑料吃瓜网. He is a member of the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation Board of Directors and Campaign Executive Committee. Mr. and Mrs. Elliot are co-founders of American Medical Facilities Management LCC, which provides high-quality healthcare in West Virginia. Mr. Elliot received the Distinguished Alumni Award during Homecoming weekend on Oct. 5 at the university鈥檚 2018 Alumni Awards.
Mr. and Mrs. Elliot are the largest contributors to the College of Architecture and Environmental Design at 黑料吃瓜网. Their past contributions include the Elliot Health Care Design Program, the Elliot Professorship in Health Care Design, the Elliot Scholars and the Elliot Family Foundation Architectural Scholarship.
The couple previously provided gifts totaling $5,575,000 to the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, which were recognized in the naming of the design studios in May 2014. As a result of their latest commitment of $6,425,000, the building has been named The John Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design and the studios have been renamed the John and Fonda Elliot Design Studios. Their gift will benefit the university鈥檚 Design Innovation Initiative, as well as provide scholarships and programming in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design.
鈥淢y 黑料吃瓜网 experiences taught me that whatever my goals might be, I could get there if I was willing to put in the work, maintain high standards and stay true to a personal moral compass based on the concept of providing the greatest good for the greatest number of people,鈥 Mr. Elliot said. 鈥淚 feel we are all responsible for giving back to 黑料吃瓜网. We are all responsible for doing what we can to make this a great place to educate our children and future generations.鈥
Since its grand opening in October 2016, 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 Center for Architecture and Environmental Design has garnered both international acclaim and enthusiastic support from students, faculty, staff, alumni and the professional community. The LEED Platinum-rated facility, designed by renowned New York-based firm WEISS/MANFREDI, is a 110,191-square-foot contemporary glass and brick building that stretches along the Lester A. Lefton Esplanade from Lincoln Street toward downtown Kent.
Recently, the college鈥檚 dean, Mark Mistur, was recognized in the 鈥淭op 25 Most Admired Educators in Architecture, Interiors and Landscape Architecture鈥 list by DesignIntelligence.
鈥淧hilanthropy like this elevates both the college and the university by enabling strategic initiatives such as the Design Innovation Initiative, visiting professorships, the Health Care Design program and student travel opportunities that broaden exposures and make education more engaging and relevant,鈥 Dean Mistur said. 鈥淭he Elliots are having a very real and significant impact that will distinguish us from our peers while also making our programs accessible to many who would otherwise not have the opportunity.鈥
For more information about 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 College of Architecture and Environmental Design, visit www.kent.edu/caed.
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Photo Caption:
John and Fonda Elliot have become the largest donors to 黑料吃瓜网.
Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Deb McGuinness, dmcguin1@kent.edu, 330-672-0419