4 minute read
Darden Grounds Master Plan, Technology & Innovation
Hospitality With Purpose:
The Forum Hotel’s Vision for Sustainability
The Powered by Purpose campaign is actively transforming academic and recreational facilities at Darden. A shining example is The Forum Hotel, also known as the Frank M. Sands Sr. and Marjorie R. Sands Hotel at Darden and Conference Center for Lifelong Learning. Reflecting our commitment to sustainability, this property meets LEED-certified and green building standards. The Forum Hotel’s economic model also follows a flywheel effect. This venue acts as a pseudo-endowment, fostering the School’s core values and hosting diverse events like academic conferences and executive education.
This landmark, brought to life by an extraordinary $20 million gift from Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63) and Marjorie R. Sands in 2019, has since been supported by more than 100 other donors, including:
The Altec/Styslinger Foundation
Richard D. Crawford (MBA/JD ’74) & Barbara J. Crawford
James A. Cooper (MBA ’84) & Stacy Cooper
Robert J. Hugin (MBA ’85) & Kathleen Hugin
Martina Hund-Mejean (MBA ’88) & Bruno J. Mejean
The Melville Foundation
Donald E. Morel Jr., Ph.D. (TEP ’97) & Lauren Morel
Steven C. Voorhees (MBA ’80, Parent ’14) & Celia H. Voorhees
Emerald Oasis:
Enhancing Nature and Well-Being
Adjacent to the hotel, an arboretum, funded by George S. Tahija (MBA ’86) & Laurel Tahija, and botanical gardens, supported by David M. LaCross (MBA ’78) & Kathleen O. LaCross, are set to open soon. These spaces are designed to enhance Darden’s aesthetic appeal and provide opportunities for outdoor education and collaboration.
Living the Darden Experience:
On-Grounds Residential Housing
The campaign is exploring on-Grounds housing, partly supported by a generous investment from David M. LaCross (MBA ’78) & Kathleen O. LaCross. The planned residential housing will further enhance Darden’s education experience, recently rated the best in the U.S. for the tenth straight year by The Economist among FullTime MBA programs. Revenue-generating investments in Darden’s infrastructure, like this one and The Forum Hotel, provide new, sustainable financial support for student and faculty excellence at the School.
Empowering Global Leaders:
UVA Darden D.C. Metro
The Sands Family Grounds of UVA Darden D.C. Metro in Arlington, Virginia, stands as a testament to Darden’s global reach. This dynamic space, dedicated in 2019, is housed on the top two floors of a LEED Gold-certified 31-story building. It offers state-of-the-art classrooms, offices and event space with spectacular views of the Potomac River and the Washington, D.C., skyline. Not only does it serve as a hub for Darden’s presence in the D.C. metro area, but it also amplifies our impact in this pivotal region, connecting students and faculty to a network of businesses, policymakers and innovators. This facility is named for Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63) and Frank M. Sands (MBA ’94), whose support made the state-of-the-art facility possible.
Honoring Legacy:
Smith Hall Transformation and its Impact
The transformation of the C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall is another significant achievement of the campaign. Named after Professor Emeritus C. Ray Smith (MBA ’58), a distinguished educator, administrator and visionary leader, the hall now houses spaces to support alumni engagement, online learning and lifelong learning. Smith’s legacy continues to inspire the Darden community, and the revitalization of the hall named in his honor strengthens Darden’s roots in Charlottesville. This renovation enhances the School’s ability to engage with the local community, welcome visitors and host events, further cementing Darden’s role as a leading institution in the region and beyond. This transformation was made possible by the generosity of the late Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63), who spurred the renovation with a $7.2 million matching challenge; the Red Gates Foundation, created by the estate of the late Hunter Goodwin (MBA ’95), which contributed $5 million towards the project; and 44 other donors.
Nurturing Innovation:
Reimagined Learning Spaces
The campaign prioritizes learning and event spaces that foster innovation and creativity. The W.L. Lyons Brown III (MBA ’87) i.Lab — created thanks to his founding gift and relocated from Sponsor’s Hall to the Classroom Building — was a significant development. This move has allowed for trials of new learning team room configurations, enhancing the student experience.
