Reprinted from the Princeton Weekly Bulletin, September 22,
1997
Scully makes lead gift
for new dorm complex
A lead gift to the University from John Scully '66 will be used toward the construction of a major new dormitory complex, to be located near the southern perimeter of the main campus, at the edge of the intramural playing fields. Designed by Rodolfo Machado of Machado and Silvetti of Boston, the complex will be named the Vincent and Celia Scully Dormitory in honor of Scully's parents. Scully is managing director of SPO Partners and Co., a private investment firm in Mill Valley, Calif.
The design of the new three-and-a-half story complex, scheduled for
completion in fall 1998, suggests the characteristic windows and
towers of Princeton's Gothic buildings while it also integrates the
modern lines of the University's newest dormitories. The complex,
which includes approximately 80,000 square feet, has three wings that
form three sides of a quadrangle surrounding a central courtyard -- a
Princeton tradition. The existing 1922 Hall, just west of the court,
establishes the remaining side of the quadrangle. Each wing will have
three interconnected sections, each with its own kitchen, laundry and
study rooms, providing the residents with increased living space and
additional rooms for educational activities. A highlight is the south
wing, which features a wide archway topped by a modernized Gothic
tower.
"While Princeton's academic pro-gram fosters our students' intellectual growth, our dormitories complete the picture, providing a place for social activities, study and a place to interact with others," said President Shapiro. "This attractive and spacious complex will enable us to offer our students a living environment that complements the outstanding academic opportunities the University offers. In addition, the new space will give us the ability to dramatically improve our overall dormitory maintenance program, benefiting all students over time."
Princeton's dorms, scattered throughout the University campus, have been hard pressed to meet the University's increasing needs. Now, for example, dorms must include upgraded wiring for student computers, meet stricter fire and accessibility access codes, and supply additional space for educational and cultural initiatives, such as academic advising, Freshman Seminar courses and student activities. Even minor renovation projects have had to be confined to the summer months, and more comprehensive construction projects have been deferred. The new buildings will enable the University to close older dorms on a rotating basis for complete renovation.
"I've always viewed the residential life of the campus as one of Princeton's major assets," said Scully. "In my junior year, I established a life goal of attempting to return to the University some measure of all that it had given me. This gift combined with the generosity of other Princetonians marks the achievement of that goal through construction of this vitally needed dorm."
A graduate of the Woodrow Wilson School, Scully took an early interest in finance and helped establish an investment club during his Princeton years. After completing his MBA at Stanford University in 1968, he became managing general partner of a partnership affiliated with Bass Brothers Enterprises of Texas. He is now managing director of SPO Partners and continues to manage several investment partnerships and private investments. Scully is also founder and president of the Making Waves Foun-dation, which supports inner-city students through tutoring and counseling.
A founding board member of the Princeton University Investment Co., which manages the University's investments, Scully established a professorship in finance at Princeton in 1992 and is now a University trustee. He also serves as a director of Stanford Health Services, which oversees the Stanford University Hospital and the clinical practice of the Stanford Medical School faculty.
The new dorm complex is a key portion of the Anniversary Campaign for Princeton, a five-year effort to raise $750 million to strengthen Princeton's programs of teaching, research and campus life.