Auditorium, Scholars Program Added

Jan 12, 2012

barry A gift from The Barry Foundation will be used to fund a new auditorium and scholars program for Concordia's Offutt School of Business.

B. John Barry, chairman of The Barry Foundation, is a founding member of the Offutt School of Business Global Leadership Council.

"Mr. Barry has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Offutt School from the start and has played a vital role in shaping this innovative and exciting new program. We are grateful for his abiding generosity and support," says Dr. William Craft, president of the college.

Barry Auditorium will be located on the east side of Grant Center, which is being renovated for the Offutt School of Business. The total cost of the Grant Center renovation will be $16 million.

The auditorium will be 8,200 square feet and will accommodate 200 people. The space will include movable seating to allow for flexible event staging and an area for gathering before events.

“This fantastic new space is designed with state-of-the-art technology capabilities,” says Dr. Greg Cant, Offutt School of Business dean. “Barry Auditorium will be the ideal space for business lectures and events.”

Construction on the auditorium will begin this spring. Renovation of the Grant Center for the Offutt School is scheduled for completion in fall 2012.

In addition to the auditorium, The Barry Foundation is funding a Barry Scholars Endowment. The endowment will honor the Offutt School’s mission to educate and inspire students who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and leadership.

The new Barry Scholars Program will be the most significant scholarship opportunity for students in the Offutt School. The prestigious scholarship will be provided to four upperclass students annually. The scholarship will be $20,000 per year for each student and will increase in the future.

Barry Scholars will be expected to assume leadership and service responsibilities in the Offutt School including leading seminar discussions, organizing specific events and mentoring peers, Cant says.

During their senior year, scholars will also present a public lecture on research that addresses global economic and social challenges.

Information For:

current students
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alumni		 high school students
admitted students