On Friday, May 19, President Samuel Martín-Barbero and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Kim Hildebrant, were honored to celebrate the naming of the McNeely Center of Ideas & Imagination and the Giardino di Luce.
Named after Rosemary McNeely and Kevin W. McNeely ’73, Trustee, the Center offers a space for students to engage and strengthen their interdisciplinary and experiential education at Franklin. Providing a highly visible face for the University, the facade represents the exterior of a book, an ode to education and learning, and includes many living and learning areas for the Franklin community. The ground floor’s P. Gregory Warden Student Center, comprises a lounge area with comfortable, modular furniture, allowing students to come together, study, and relax.
The Giardino di Luce, or Garden of Light, created and donated by Nora McNeely Hurley ’81, is a special wellness garden filled with more than 24 types of lush local flora in the naturally terraced slope. The garden encompasses a space between all three residences and serves as a holistic learning environment. It is the perfect spot for students to gather in good weather, reflect and find peace.
The Naming Ceremony further acknowledged Angela W. Fowler ’75 for her support in creating the Angela Fowler Atrium, and Trustee and co-Founder Pascal F. Tone, for his continued support of student wellbeing initiatives, through the funding of a second Tone Athletic Center.
We are truly proud of our supporters for fostering exceptional growth in our academic and creative pursuits. This new forward-thinking Center is a remarkable and inspirational location for its promotion of community and interdisciplinary learning.
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