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U. of C. to Build New Forum Building With Gift From Carlyle Group CEO

By Sam Cholke | October 21, 2014 6:10pm
 Carlyle Group CEO David Rubenstein is funding a new forum building on the University of Chicago campus.
Carlyle Group CEO David Rubenstein is funding a new forum building on the University of Chicago campus.
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Mark Wilson/Getty Images

HYDE PARK — The University of Chicago will build a new social space for students and faculty with a major gift from the founder of the Carlyle Group.

David Rubenstein, who founded the asset management firm after leaving President Jimmy Carter’s administration, has made a pledge of an undisclosed amount to build the Rubenstein Forum.

“The regular and rigorous exchange of ideas that is a hallmark of the University of Chicago will soon be aided by a much needed physical space in which people from all parts of campus, the broader university community and visitors from around the world may gather, collaborate and interact,” said university President Robert Zimmer.

Rubenstein, a trustee of the university whose net worth is estimated to be more than $3 billion by Forbes, is a frequent donor having contributed $20 million to the Law School between 2010 and 2013. His donations in the past have primarily been for scholarships and this latest gift marks the first time he has publicly funded a physical building.

The details remain vague on the new building, which is to be built next to the Mott building, 1225 E. 60th St. The university said Tuesday that it would search for an architect to create an “environment conducive to effective, creative and functional convening.”

The university in the past year expanded its efforts to create social spaces, recenty opening the Chicago Innovation Exchange for students and faculty who are trying to start a company and the Big Ideas Generator, a lounge for wine tastings and presentations from faculty.

Construction on the new space is expected to begin in 2016.

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