NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release on March 24, 2024

Building on William & Mary campus to honor Secretary Robert M. Gates

NEWINGTON Va. March 24, 2024 – The Gates Global Policy Center (GGPC) is happy to announce a $30 million gift from a William & Mary alumna – a W&M Foundation trustee who wishes to remain anonymous – to W&M will pay tribute to our Founder and Chairman of the Board, Secretary Robert M. Gates, with the first academic building in the nation to bear his name.

Gates, who graduated from W&M with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1965 and later earned a doctorate in Russian and Soviet history from Georgetown University in 1974, is the only Secretary of Defense to serve in successive Republican and Democratic administrations.

Since February 3, 2012, Gates has served as the twenty-fourth W&M chancellor.

Secretary Gates at the 2023 Gates Forum at W&M (Photo Credit - Stephen Salpukas)

Brown Hall, currently a vacant building on the W&M campus, will transform into Robert M. Gates Hall and serve as a hub for research and teaching that spans disciplines, addressing global challenges such as economic development and inequality, geopolitical conflict, national security and conservation. Gates Hall will be home to the Global Research Institute, the Institute for Integrative Conservation and the Whole of Government Center of Excellence.

During a recent visit to the W&M campus, Gates said he was humbled and overwhelmed to be recognized at his alma mater through the naming of Gates Hall.

“This is the greatest honor I’ve received in my lifetime,” Gates said. “William & Mary is where I felt called to public service, and I can see that the call to make a difference is still felt strongly here. This building will serve as a hub for generations of students and faculty to cultivate new ideas to contribute to the nation and the world.”

“William & Mary’s commitment to the values of excellence, integrity and public service is underscored by this recognition of the chancellor,” said W&M President Katherine Rowe, Ph.D. “Throughout his career, Robert Gates has championed the power of education and scholarship to advance democracy and build a better world. In these classrooms and meeting spaces, future generations of public policy leaders, conservationists and national security experts will pursue those ideals.”

Proposed courtyard view of Gates Hall Rendering Courtesy of Glavé & Holmes Architecture

Scheduled for groundbreaking in the fall of 2024, Gates Hall is projected to be completed in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The city of Williamsburg anticipates millions of visitors throughout that year and beyond to celebrate the historic milestone. Gates Hall will encompass two wings with a courtyard in the middle.

It will incorporate gathering spaces and common areas to spark collaboration and redefine how academic structures can help advance big ideas. The construction project will reduce waste by renovating rather than demolishing the building.

Gates Hall will host prominent events such as the nonpartisan Gates Forums chaired by Secretary Gates. The classrooms and staff shared spaces also will be available for use by all W&M students, faculty and staff.

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For Media Inquiries Contact:

Mike Galloucis Mike@Gatesglobalpolicy.org