New Residence Hall

CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS

Breaking Ground on the New Residence Hall

A moment to savor: the groundbreaking for a building that reflects the vision, generosity, and confidence of two very special donors to Menlo College. Making the moment even more extraordinary was the fact that the building took shape in the midst of a life-changing pandemic. “Our donors saw beyond the pandemic, and knew that Menlo’s future would be infinitely brighter if we could offer 288 more of our students the opportunity to experience the close-knit residential college experience that provides binding, often lifetime friendships,” said President Steven Weiner at the ceremony held on the building site on May 13, 2021. Though celebrants could not toast the anonymous donors by name, comments by President Weiner, Atherton Mayor Elizabeth Lewis, Dean of Student Affairs LT Rease Miles, Trustee Emeritus Chop Keenan ’66, and Board Chair Micah Ka -ne ’91 all acknowledged that the kindness of the donors will touch the lives of our community today, and the lives of generations to come. As President Weiner observed, “Bricks and mortar, generosity, and well-placed bets will do that.”

In recognition of the many students from the Pacific Islands that have graced the Menlo campus over the decades, the ceremony concluded with a traditional Hawaiian blessing performed by native Hawaiian traditionalist and cultural practitioner Kumu Kau’i.

The Enduring Generosity of Martha and David Irmer ’58

The fundraising goal for Menlo’s New Residence Hall was $20 million, and construction was launched soon after that target was successfully raised earlier this year. The project is now well underway, but the dramatic increase in the cost of construction materials in recent months has created a funding gap. Enter David Irmer ’58. Extending decades of generosity, David Irmer ’58 and his family recently pledged a half million-dollar challenge grant to close the New Residence Hall funding gap, and thereby support student residential living at Menlo College – a foundation of the Menlo College experience. At this school, each part of a student’s life is connected with the rest. By virtue of living, eating, studying, and socializing together – with people from all over the world, from all walks of life – Menlo students become more engaged. They’re expected to be engaged. For many years, Menlo students have found their journey to the commencement stage eased by support from the Irmer Family Scholarships. All of his giving has been informed by his determination to pay it forward, improving the Menlo College experience available to today’s students and to those of generations to come. David gives to Menlo because Menlo gave to him. As he said in conveying this most recent commitment, “My 63 years with Menlo College have been one of the great joys of my life.” Thank you, David Irmer, for bringing joy to so many other lives.

Above: Martha and David Irmer

1000 El Camino Real Atherton, CA, 94027-4301 www.menlo.edu

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A Celebration is on the Horizon

SavE thE DatE October 16, 2027

For a Centennial Celebration honoring 100 years of Menlo memories and friendships