$3 Million Gift from Michael ’85 and Alison Hall Mauzé ’84 Moves Academic Building Progress Forward

Alumni and volunteer leaders Michael '85 and Alison Hall Mauzé '84 of Mill Valley, Calif., have committed $3 million to Davidson College's new academic building, set to open at the start of the fall 2016 semester. The Michael and Alison Hall Mauzé Terrace will be named in recognition of their generosity toward this important project.

"We are so grateful to Mike and Alison for their generous gift for the new academic building," said President Carol Quillen. "This investment will enable innovative forms of learning, faculty and student collaborations across disciplines, and the creation of even more original research and work. Mike and Alison's commitment to and leadership on behalf of Davidson over the years has been transformational, and we thank them for the limitless opportunities they continue to create for the college."

Michael has served alma mater through the Trustee Investment Committee, annual giving campaigns, capital campaign leadership and the Davidson Alumni Admission Program. He also advises many Davidson students in search of careers in finance and private equity.

Alison serves on Davidson's Board of Trustees and also as co-chair of the college's current $425 million campaign Game Changers: Inspiring Leaders to Transform the World. Alongside co-chair John McCartney '74, and in coordination with the 20-member campaign committee, she helps guide the vision for the ambitious effort, which focuses on attracting much-needed support for institutional priorities such as scholarships, academic, athletics and arts initiatives, and transition to impact programs that prepare students to lead and serve in the world. To date, the campaign has raised more than $265 million.

"We are pleased to support the vision for this interdisciplinary facility to enhance programming based on collaboration and are excited to see what develops in this beautiful, new inspirational space," said the couple. "We value Davidson deeply and are grateful for the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way."

The $74 million academic center will provide a premiere, collaborative space for chemistry, biology, psychology, neuroscience and environmental science as well as gathering spaces for the arts, lectures and community building. It includes 20 teaching laboratories, 36 research laboratories, 49 faculty offices, five flexible classrooms and a stunning open forum space with 145 seats for presentations, meetings and performances. In keeping with the college's commitment to sustainability, the building meets or exceeds LEED silver specifications.

"Davidson faculty and students expect and deserve to learn and teach in spaces that foster and inspire collaboration," said Wendy Raymond, dean of faculty and vice president for academic affairs. "I am grateful to all of the alumni, parents and friends who have chosen to support this important initiative. The Mauzés' leadership at Davidson and their generous support for teaching and learning are invaluable to the future of our college."

In 2012, The Duke Endowment enthusiastically endorsed the college's vision for this space and propelled the project's realization with a $45 million grant. Davidson has nearly secured the remaining $29 million thanks to generous support from alumni, parents, friends and foundations.

Since their respective graduations from Davidson, the Mauzés have supported the college as benefactors, advisers and friends. In addition to their most recent support of the new academic building, they have given generously to scholarships, internships, soccer facilities and Dean Rusk international studies programs.

The couple has three sons- Christopher, Davidson College Class of 2015, Jackson, Davidson College Class of 2016, and Teddy, Yale University Class of 2018. They are also the host family to a young man, Geoffrey Acheampong, from Ghana, who attends the University of California, Santa Barbara as a member of the Class of 2019.