Adrian College Receives Generous Gift From Sage Foundation posted 12/1/09
Funds will be used to renovate most historical building on campus, Downs Hall

ADRIAN, Mich. – Adrian College is excited to announce that it has received a generous gift from Sage Foundation, under the leadership of President Melissa Sage Fadim, to renovate Downs Hall, the oldest building on campus.

“It is difficult to express in words the level of kindness represented in this gift,” said Adrian College President Jeffrey R. Docking. “Sage Foundation is preserving a building that has stood on our campus since our founding in 1859. It is an act of generosity that will give future students a quality academic facility and a historic landmark that will stand for many generations.”

Students and faculty alike enjoy Downs Hall and treasure its history. The theatre, which was the original setting of the campus’s chapel in the early days, has taken on some wear and tear over the past 150 years and is in need of renovations and improvements. The College hopes to preserve the past while into the future with modern amenities.

Over the past two years, Sage Foundation has donated gifts to help improve the building. The College was able to purchase 150 new chairs for the theatre and upgrade the electrical system and lighting.

“The support we have received from Sage Foundation, over the last two years, has aided us in making significant upgrades to the facility,” said Docking, “The new seating, along with equipment to upgrade the electrical and lighting needs of the theatre, have been vital to this building.”  

Thanks to Sage Foundation, the College will now be able to enhance both the interior as well as the exterior of the building. These renovations include installing an elevator and side entrance doors with ramps and walks; removing and replacing all windows; removing and replacing the roof; first floor lobby transformation from modern to historic; cleaning the masonry; and updating area rugs and light fixtures throughout the facility. 

“The renovation of Downs Hall is a wonderful addition to the Renaissance II work at Adrian College,” said Interim Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Agnes I. Caldwell. “The improved facilities in theatre will allow that department to showcase their work in a beautiful facility that links our original founding to the current work on campus. The faculty and students are so excited about this news."

Renovation on Downs Hall is set to begin in 2010. For more information or to make a gift to Adrian College, please visit www.adrian.edu