Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

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].

Featured

  • UT System Board of Regents Approves $108M Housing Complex

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently announced the approval of a new, $108-million housing complex at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), according to a news release. The facility will stand four stories and have a total of 456 new beds for freshmen students.

  • Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, OR

    Preserving Legacy, Designing for the Future

    As historic academic buildings age, institutions face a difficult decision: preserve and adapt or demolish and rebuild. How do we honor the legacy of these spaces while adapting them to meet the needs of modern learners?

  • California School District Completes Elementary School Modernization

    The San Diego Unified School District in San Diego, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting for a whole-site modernization of Pacific Beach Elementary School, according to local news. The school first opened with one building in 1930 and added six more between 1938 and 1957.

  • Wisconsin District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The School District of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff of two existing schools, according to local news. Funding for the school comes from a $53-million referendum approved in 2024.