IIT Challenge Campaign collection, 1997-2001

The IIT Challenge Grant/Campaign was issued by two Illinois Institute of Technology Board of Trustee members, Robert Galvin and Robert Pritzker, in 1996 in response to the university's need to renew its campus facilities and academic programs. Galvin and Pritzker each pledged $60 million dollars to be matched in a fund raising effort (ultimate goal, $250 million). The challenge followed a 1993-1994 National Commission self study which re-committed Illinois Institute of Technology to its South Side Chicago location at 33rd and State Streets, and the 1996 master plan presented by board member Dirk Lohan to build a new campus center, renovate five Mies van der Rohe buildings, and landscape substantial portions of the campus. By December, 2000, a year ahead of schedule, the goal had been exceeded. At the time the challenge grant was announced, it was the largest private donation of its kind to an Illinois university. A Gala Celebration was held August 10, 2001 to mark the successful end of the campaign. On March 9, 2000, ground was broken for the McCormick Tribune Campus Center, a new facility designed by Rem Koolhaas, and funded in part with proceeds of the campaign.