FAU Starts Construction on Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building
Florida Atlantic University recently began construction on a new academic building for its campus in Boca Raton, Fla., according to university news. The Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building will stand two stories, measure in at 22,000 square feet, and play home to the university’s Holocaust education and Jewish studies programs. It will also host cultural performances and lectures on the subject for the wider South Florida community. The facility has an estimated completion date of fall 2026.
“The work we undertake today will stand as a national model of how a university can lead with principle and act with purpose,” said University President Adam Hasner. “As some universities across the nation struggle to confront antisemitism, the Wallach building rises from a profound responsibility that calls to us with urgency. We are taking steps to become the safest and most welcoming university for Jewish life in America, and we are honored that Kurt and Marilyn Wallach’s story has become part of our legacy here at Florida Atlantic.”
According to the news release, the building will contain the university’s Arthur and Emalie Gutterman Family Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education; the Leon Charney Diplomacy program; and the Center for Peace, Justice and Human Rights. For community education, it will also play home to the Craig and Barbara Weiner Holocaust Museum of South Florida, as well as the George and Irina Schaeffer Dimensions in Testimony interactive display.
The lead gift funding the building’s construction came from a $20-million donation to the university from Kurt and Marilyn Wallach. “This is a monumental day, and I know Kurt would be so proud to see this building become a reality,” said Marilyn Wallach. “Kurt always said, ‘We speak for those who cannot speak, and we remember all the victims, including our family members who perished needlessly.’ It is our hope that through education we can ensure that lives will be saved, and history will not be repeated.”
Academic amenities include a lecture hall, a traveling exhibition hall, conference room, student study space, and administrative offices, according to the news release.
About the Author
Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].