Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) Sept. 17, 2024 – Students and facility await the groundbreaking ceremony for the Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation, thanks to a $25 million gift from the Windgate Foundation.

This event will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday south of the Fine Arts Center on the Arkansas State University campus in Jonesboro.

According to an Arkansas State University press release, the $25 million gift designates $20 million for construction and $5 million for building maintenance. In addition, $3.2 million in institutional reserves will be used to complete the project.

The Windgate Foundation is the university’s largest single benefactor in its 115-year history, with endowments totaling more than $40 million.

Chancellor Todd Shields, building architects, A-State faculty members and students will speak at the ceremony. Robyn Horn, chair of the Windgate Board, and Pat Forgy, executive director of the Windgate Foundation is also expected to attend.

When completed, the 38,887 square-foot Windgate Hall will house spaces for the Department of Art + Design and the College of Engineering and Computer Science, which will be used to support creative and learning activities for students.

The new facility will be just west of the Windgate Center for Three-Dimensional Arts, which was completed in 2021. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, building tours will be available for attendees.

The new facility is estimated to be completed in 2026.