The Robins School of Business has received a $6 million gift from an alumni couple to be used toward construction of the new Robins School of Business building, complemented by new programs and curricular enhancements focusing on finance.

Paul B. Queally and Anne-Marie Flinn Queally of New Canaan, Conn., both 1986 Phi Beta Kappa graduates of Richmond, made the contribution through their Paul and Anne-Marie Queally Family Foundation. The 33,000-square-foot addition to the building is expected to be completed by the end of 2010 and will be named Queally Hall.

"As a student, alumnus and trustee, I have always valued the emphasis that the University of Richmond places on its students," said Paul Queally. "Anne-Marie and I wanted to give back to the university in a way that enabled it to provide more value to its students. We believe in the Robins School vision and that the new addition will enable the dean and faculty to offer new programming, initiatives and resources which will enhance the student experience and better prepare them for their futures."

"This gift will make a big difference to the University of Richmond," said UR President Ed Ayers. "Paul and Anne-Marie's gift provides us with the space, opportunity, and incentive to build on the wonderful legacy of the Robins School."

Queally Hall will facilitate collaboration between students and faculty, encourage a sense of community through creative use of common spaces, support hands-on discovery-based learning through centers and laboratories, and enhance connections between the Robins School and the local and global business communities. The addition will house classrooms, offices, meeting spaces, a 225-seat auditorium, a marketing research lab and a simulated capital markets trading room.

"Paul Queally has been a supporter and a leader in the evolution of the Robins School of Business to become one of the best business schools in the country," said Robins School Dean Jorge Haddock. "Now the Queallys are enabling us to achieve our vision for the future. The new building addition will provide us with the opportunity to expand our programs and equip our students still better for their professions."

For more details, visit the building expansion website.