Nov. 5, 2002
Duqués Family & GW: A Groundbreaking Venture
Duqués Hall, Funger Renovation to Create 270,000-Square-Foot
SBPM Complex
By Greg
Licamele
Groundbreakings and subsequent ribbon-cutting ceremonies have been a
hallmark in recent years at GW. The School of Business and Public Management
(SBPM) joined that parade of progress as it held a ceremonial groundbreaking
Oct. 17 for a 167,000 square-foot building, to be named Ric and Dawn
Duqués Hall. It will connect with space to be renovated in the
adjoining Funger Hall creating a 270,000-square-foot complex for the
Universitys School of Business and Public Management. The business
complex will include high-tech classrooms, team rooms, a career center,
and computer labs.
Todays groundbreaking is in a class by itself, said
GW President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg at the event. This demonstrates
an unprecedented commitment on the part of the supporters of the School
of Business and Public Management to the well-being of that school.
Duqués Hall, to be located on 22nd Street, will feature a Capital
Markets Room, where students can access real-time quotes, use proprietary
software and financial information systems, and learn the skills necessary
for financial modeling, trading, and portfolio management. It also will
include an executive conference center and a 115-seat auditorium for
guest lectures and special events. A late fall 2004 or early 2005 occupancy
date is planned.
As we start with this new building today, it is our hope that
we make The George Washington University an even greater university,
said Ric Duqués, chairman of First Data Corporation, GW graduate,
and a member of GWs Board of Trustees. That greatness will
be derived from a world-class faculty and a world-class administration,
who together will recruit and educate world-class students.
Duqués said GWs location will help this new building flourish.
Washington has the uniqueness of being the political center of
the United States and close enough in proximity to the financial center
of the United States in New York, Duqués said. Its
going to draw a lot of folks from those two locations and from around
the world, which will create a very unique environment.
Duqués Hall will help educate and accommodate a growing school
and its needs. In 1995, undergraduate enrollment stood at 913 students;
in 2001, 1,478 students matriculated in SBPM undergraduate programs.
Overall, 3,655 students enrolled in SBPM programs in 2001, accounting
for 17 percent of GWs total enrollment. Currently, the primary
building for SBPM is the Hall of Government, the schools home
since 1938. The school also occupies the adjacent Monroe Hall, as well
as several other buildings across GWs campus. Susan Phillips,
SBPM dean, said bringing all of the schools programs under one
roof will strengthen its reputation for management education not only
in the academic world but also the global and local business communities.
Every great university should be a central point where great ideas
can be discussed, Phillips said. With the new building,
well be able to provide conferences, additional opportunities
for students, discussion forums, and provide leadership and a focal
point for the business community in Washington.
Duqués Hall will join other new academic and health facilities
completed in recent years at GWs Foggy Bottom campus:
Media and Public Affairs Building (March 2001)
Annette and Theodore Lerner Family Health and Wellness Center
(August 2001)
Law School Renovation and Addition (March 2002)
GW Hospital (August 2002)
1957 E St./Elliott School of International Affairs (November
2002)
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu