The News Service
38 Brown Street / Box R
Providence RI 02912

401 863-2476
Fax 863-9595

Distributed February 26, 2005
Contact Mark Nickel

A gift from Brown graduates Susan P. and Richard A. Friedman, accepted by the Corporation at its meeting today, will allow the University to move forward with plans to create a 24-hour student study center in the first three levels of the Sciences Library.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Corporation of Brown University today formally accepted a $5-million gift from Susan P. and Richard A. Friedman, 1977 and 1979 Brown graduates respectively. Four million dollars of that gift will allow the University to create a 24-hour student study center using the first three levels of the Sciences Library.

A new 24-hour study space
The Friedman Study Center will feature individual and group study areas, a café, computer clusters and common areas. [Artist’s conception courtesy of Facilities Management]

The Susan and Richard A. Friedman Study Center will provide approximately 14,000 square feet of study space on the three levels, responding to one of the University’s highest priorities for a centrally located study and gathering space. Although the project is still in the planning stages, the new center will likely include individual study spaces, computer and multimedia stations, small conference rooms to support group projects, a café and a central commons area.

“The Friedmans made it clear from the outset that they wished to support a project of importance to students,” said Brown President Ruth J. Simmons. “They could not have made a better choice.”

“We are very excited to contribute to the growth and development of Brown. As graduates of the late 1970s, Susan and I are proud to see Brown thrive in the 21st century under President Simmons’ leadership, energy and enthusiasm,” said Richard Friedman. “The new study center will allow students to socialize and congregate in a pleasant setting while they focus on their studies.”

The University will create space for the new facility by relocating library administrative areas and by moving some Sciences Library materials to its new Library Collections Annex, opening March 1, 2005, about four miles from campus.

“Students have consistently listed 24-hour study spaces among their highest priorities for improving campus life,” said David Greene, vice president for campus life and student services. “The Friedman Study Center will address that concern magnificently.”

######

News Service Home  |  Top of File  |  e-Subscribe  |  Brown Home Page