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 University’s School of Business and Public Management. The business complex will include high-tech classrooms, team rooms, a career center, and computer labs.

“Today’s 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 GW’s 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 GW’s 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. “It’s 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 GW’s total enrollment. Currently, the primary building for SBPM is the Hall of Government, the school’s home since 1938. The school also occupies the adjacent Monroe Hall, as well as several other buildings across GW’s campus. Susan Phillips, SBPM dean, said bringing all of the school’s 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, we’ll 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 GW’s 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)

 

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