Aquinas College Receives Largest Individual Donation in School’s History -- Spaces4Learning

Higher Ed

Aquinas College Receives Largest Individual Donation in School’s History

By Matt Jones
09/15/21

Aquinas College, a private Roman Catholic college in Grand Rapids, Mich., announced this week that it has received its largest single donation ever from an individual, living donor. The $3-million gift from Peter and Carolyn Sturrus of Grand Haven, Mich., comes in support of the college’s new Gold LEED-certified Albertus Magnus Hall of Science. A college news release states that they were drawn to support the project by the opportunity to simultaneously support both science- and faith-based education.

The 15-year expansion of Albertus Magnus Hall added space for programs like biochemistry, molecular biology, data analytics, environmental studies, health science and geospatial technologies. The atrium bridging the renovated parts of the facility and the new addition will be called the Peter and Carolyn Sturrus Atrium.

“Albertus Magnus taught that religion and science are not mutually exclusive. That idea drew us to want to support this space for students in a significant way,” said Peter Sturrus. “Carolyn and I want to see more students have access to a solid, faith-based education. We also believe that our world will continue to be better as we make advances in science and technology. This project brought it together for us.”

The facility’s LEED-Gold certification was earned through a variety of sustainable features, most notably a green roof that can be used as an outdoor classroom space. Others include use of local materials; reusing and repurposing more than three-quarters of the existing building’s structure; upgraded ventilation systems; access to natural light; and low-flush and automatic faucets.

Other new and upgraded features of Albertus Magnus Hall include 15 teaching laboratories, including a nursing simulation and observation space; six dedicated research laboratories; 11 classrooms, 26 offices and eight study and collaborative spaces; and the new home of the Center for Sustainability.

“We are deeply honored and humbled by Peter and Carolyn’s extreme generosity,” said Aquinas President Kevin G. Quinn. “At Aquinas, we believe in the development of the whole person, which resonates with Peter and Carolyn. The new science facility is transforming the way we serve our students. It is a point of pride for all Saints and a symbol of the future of Aquinas College.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

E-Mail this page

Printable Format

Featured

One District, One Way: Bringing Consistency to K–12 Construction Projects

From budgeting to closeout, here's how a single playbook can turn chaos into clarity in school construction programs.
Texas K–12 District to Build New Elementary, High Schools

The High Island Independent School District on the Bolivar Peninsula in Southeast Texas recently announced that construction on a new elementary school and a new high school will begin in January 2026, according to local news. Funding will come from a $27.9-million bond passed in May 2025.
School Construction Projects Boom as Education Systems Address Aging Facilities and Growth

Construction opportunities are almost always abundant, but currently there are more than usual construction projects being launched for public school campuses. Common objectives include major renovation or expansion of aging facilities, total replacement of inefficient classrooms, upgrades to lighting, technology, and security equipment, and adding new sports and cultural facilities.
Tufts University Breaks Ground on Two New Residence Halls

Tufts University in Medford, Mass., recently broke ground on two new residence halls with a total capacity of 664 beds, according to local news. The project’s ultimate goal is to expand on-campus housing and reduce pressure on the local housing market.