CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The University of Illinois welcomed students back on Monday for a new academic year, coinciding with the debut of a new addition to the campus.
Steven S. Wymer Hall, a recent addition to the Gies College of Business, has officially opened after over two years of construction. The building is named after Wymer, an alumnus of the business school.
And, he’s also from Danville.
Wymer is now a portfolio manager for Fidelity Investments, and he made a $25 million donation to the project.
“We are just super excited to open Wymer Hall today,” Gies College of Business Director of Communications, Aaron Bennett, said.
Wymer Hall is officially open, and it’s located in South Campus on Gregory Drive. The opening comes in a timely fashion.
“It’s an essential facility for us as it supports our expanded educational outreach. This year, we’re proud to have our largest freshman class ever,” shared Bennett.
With more than 3,000 undergraduate students in the Gies College of Business, the building came as a response to a necessity.
“We just needed more classrooms, more online studios, and more offices for our faculty and staff,” Bennett said.
Students shared their initial reactions from their first step into the new building.
A University of Illinois sophomore, Finley Mattes, expressed enthusiasm, “The space feels expansive. I’m about to check out the auditorium and can’t wait to see it. It feels like stepping into a new car.”
Mattes has two classes in Wymer this semester.
Mattes added, “This is exactly what I hoped for. Seeing resources reinvested into the University enhances my education experience and will undoubtedly benefit future students.”
The building is a hub of classrooms, collaborative spaces, an auditorium, and offices for faculty.
“It just screams orange and blue and University of Illinois all over. So, it’s just exciting. It’s a vibrant place to be,” Bennett said.
Bennett believes building it reaffirms the Gies’ mission.
Bennett also mentioned, “Our goal is to broaden educational access and create opportunities for anyone eager to learn. This facility aids in expanding our capacity to welcome more students.”
Wymer Hall is not a finished project, they’re just in phase one. Bennett said that there’s still more to come. He said that six months from now, it will be unrecognizable with more new furniture and upgrades to classrooms.
The ribbon cutting and dedication is in October, but university wanted the building to be open for the start of classes.
