Global Business and Analytics Complex takes shape

As fundraising for the Global Business and Analytics Complex (GBAC) enters a crucial period, two of the project’s earliest supporters have stepped forward again to give and to encourage fellow Pamplin College of Business alumni to do the same.

In October, Chris Shean ’87 hosted an event in Richmond, Virginia, to highlight the project to other Hokies as part of a push to raise the remaining $8 million toward the project that will allow design for the complex’s second building to begin this calendar year.

“I want to take action and set a good example for others to follow,” explained Shean, a former executive with Liberty Media who along with his wife, Lesley Shean ’88, has given $2.5 million to help make the complex a reality.

Mary McVay ’78, MBA ’81 was the first Hokie to make a $1 million gift in support of the project. Recently, McVay gave an additional $1 million to create a matching opportunity for donors to the project.

“We don’t have many opportunities to put our stamp on something as important as a university,” McVay said when asked what motivated her matching gift.

Plans for GBAC include two academic buildings, the first of which is already under construction. Together, the complex’s academic buildings are expected to provide roughly 240,000 square feet of space for teaching, research, and collaboration by faculty and students from multiple colleges, with a focus on data analytics and decision-making.

The first building is projected to open in summer 2023. The second building, which will also serve as the new home for Pamplin College of Business, is projected to open in early 2025.

Visit pamplin.vt.edu/gbac to learn more.