October 5, 1998 Contact: Elizabeth Latt 615-322-2706 elizabeth.p.latt@vanderbilt.edu

Gifts clear way for start-up of Sarratt Student Center project

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Pledges totaling $3.5 million have cleared the way for Vanderbilt University to begin planning work on the expansion and renovation of the Sarratt Student Center.

A lead commitment from the Terence E. Adderley family of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., added to prior commitments from two members of Vanderbilt's Board of Trust, should make it possible for construction to begin next spring. If other fund-raising efforts are successful, preliminary building modifications could begin as early as March, with the full project scheduled to begin after graduation in May, according to Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Planning Judson Newbern.

"Improving Sarratt has been a goal of students and the administration for a number of years, and I am grateful to these individuals who have pledged the funds to help make that goal a reality," Chancellor Joe B. Wyatt said. "Although the existing facility served the needs of our students for two decades, today's students and the demands of modern campus life require a new kind of facility."

The $10.5 million renovation and expansion project is designed to provide additional meeting space for students and student groups and to give the building, constructed in 1974, a more spacious and airy appearance. Overall, the plan will add 17,000 square feet to the 55,000-square-foot building.

The $2 million lead commitment comes from Terence E. and Mary Beth Adderley. Terence E. Adderley is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Kelly Services, Inc., of Troy, Mich. The Adderleys' son, Terence E. (Ted) Adderley Jr., is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Science.

Ted Adderley said he was pleased that his parents were able to make the gift to Vanderbilt. His grandfather, William Russell Kelly, founder of Kelly Services, attended Vanderbilt in the 1920s and encouraged Ted to consider attending the University. "My grandfather spoke often of his days at Vanderbilt and was pleased when I decided to come here."

Ted's father, Terry Adderley, said, "Mary Beth and I are very pleased to give this gift for the restoration of the Sarratt Center."

Eugene Vaughan, Vanderbilt alumnus, chairman of the Board of Trust Student Affairs Committee and a founding partner of Vaughan, Nelson, Scarborough and McCullough in Houston, and his wife, Susan, have pledged $1 million for the project.

"Through chairing this committee, I came to understand how important this facility will be. It will affect the lives of many thousands of future Vanderbilt alumni, and Susan and I are proud to be able to make such an excellent investment," Vaughan said.

Joanne Fleming Hayes of Nashville, also a graduate of Vanderbilt and a member of the Board of Trust, said she was "moved by the dedication of the students" who participated in the planning process for the project. "The quality of student life plays such an important part in the overall Vanderbilt experience."

Beverly Bond, associate vice chancellor of alumni and development, said efforts will continue to seek the balance of contributions needed to fund the project fully.

The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2000, said University Architect Edward Belbusti, who is managing the project. "Every effort will be made to minimize the disruption of the center's activities. Some activities will have to be temporarily relocated, but our plan is to vacate areas on a phased basis depending on their proximity to the area undergoing construction at the time."

Vanderbilt University is a private research university of approximately 5,800 undergraduates and 4,300 graduate and professional students. Founded in 1873, the University comprises 10 schools, a public policy institute, a distinguished medical center and The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center. Vanderbilt offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, education and human development, engineering and music, and a full range of graduate and professional degrees.

-VU-

Vanderbilt University is a private research university of approximately 5,900 undergraduates and 4,300 graduate and professional students. Founded in 1873, the University comprises 10 schools, a public policy institute, a distinguished medical center and The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center. Vanderbilt offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, education and human development, engineering and music, and a full range of graduate and professional degrees.

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