University of Vermont alumnus Stephen Ifshin ’58 has pledged $1.75 million to support a proposed expansion to Kalkin Hall, home of the Grossman School of Business on the UVM campus. Ifshin’s commitment brings total support for the anticipated $11 million project to over $7 million.
Stephen Ifshin is chairman of DLC Management Corp., which he founded with his son, Adam, in 1991. DLC Management Corp. is now one of the nation’s preeminent shopping center developers. Headquartered in New York, the firm has regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
University of Vermont President Tom Sullivan announced Ifshin’s gift at a luncheon for the UVM Foundation Board of Directors and Foundation Leadership Council.
“As a developer and philanthropist, Steve knows that investing in top-notch facilities will enable the Grossman School of Business to continue to compete with the best colleges and universities for the finest faculty and students,” said Sullivan. “The University of Vermont and the Grossman School of Business are very grateful for Steve’s ongoing leadership.”
Sullivan said the University intends to present plans for the proposed renovation to the Board of Trustees later this academic year pending continued progress in fundraising.
Stephen Ifshin is deeply committed to the University of Vermont, currently serving as a member of the UVM Foundation Board of Directors. He recently stepped down as co-chair of the Grossman School of Business Board of Advisors, and his company (DLC Management) was the recipient of the 2012 UVM Family Business Award.
Sanjay Sharma, dean of the Grossman School of Business, also spoke at the event about how philanthropy can help expand Kalkin Hall to accommodate more students and to provide more space for a wide range of learning environments.
“This gift will enable the Grossman School of Business to create a state-of-the-art teaching ecosystem, one that provides outstanding facilities on campus to enhance the student experience,” said Dean Sharma. “We plan to add break-out spaces, study rooms, extra classrooms, faculty offices, a case room for graduate students, and an innovation hub that can be used for speakers, industry panels, career-networking events and receptions. With this commitment, Steve could not have set a better example for our students.”
In addition to his involvement with the University of Vermont, Ifshin is an active volunteer, serving on the board of directors of WBGO Jazz 88.3, a public radio station broadcasting from Newark, N.J.; the board of directors of Jazz at Lincoln Center; and is very involved with the International Council of Shopping Centers. He is married to jewelry artist Billie Lim and resides in New York City.
About The University of Vermont Foundation
The University of Vermont Foundation is a nonprofit corporation established to secure and manage private support for the benefit of the University of Vermont. The Foundation is currently engaged in a comprehensive campaign with four strategic priorities: student access and scholarship; faculty research and support; student-centered programs; and long-term investments in the physical campus. Move Mountains: The Campaign for The University of Vermont seeks to raise $500 million in private support and assert UVM's position as one of the nation's best public research universities. For further information about giving to UVM, contact the University of Vermont Foundation, 411 Grasse Mount, Burlington VT 05401; 802-656-2010, www.uvmfoundation.org, email foundation@uvm.edu.