The University of Vermont Board of Trustees’ approval of the naming of the Patrick Leahy Building and Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships led the agenda at the Board’s annual fall meeting Friday and Saturday at the Dudley H. Davis Center.

"The Patrick Leahy Building will stand as a fitting tribute to the senator's legacy, bringing together at the heart of our campus the teaching and research mission of the university with key elements of our land grant mission," said UVM President Suresh Garimella. "The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships connects the knowledge, talent and innovative spirit of UVM with the people working tirelessly for a strong future in treasured communities around Vermont.”

Senator Leahy provided remarks following the board action and a presentation on the new institute, which was made possible by a $9.3 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, with leadership and support from Sen. Leahy.

"The Institute for Rural Partnerships will empower Vermonters and Vermont communities with its research and millions of dollars in annual grants," Sen. Leahy said. "Vermonters are at the forefront of discovering creative solutions and engaging in cooperative efforts to overcome obstacles and achieve success. I look forward to seeing the ideas and solutions that come out of this program, many of which I suspect will be replicated in our state and across the nation.”

“Patrick Leahy has been one of UVM’s most valued partners and friends for decades, and the Board of Trustees is proud to have paired the naming of the Patrick Leahy Honors College with today’s action to name the Patrick Leahy Building in the senator’s honor,” said Ron Lumbra, Chair of the UVM Board of Trustees. “We deeply value his service to the state, and we look forward to seeing the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships develop important and impactful connections across Vermont. The Leahy legacy at UVM will last for generations.”

Multipurpose Center update

The Board received an update on the Multipurpose Center on UVM’s athletic campus and authorized an investment of up to $15M to double space for individual fitness in the MPC’s Gucciardi Fitness Center and to create essential space for important athletics operations including athletic training, academic support, and coaches’ offices.

“Expanding space and increasing equipment for individual fitness is a significant goal of this project," said Athletic Director Jeffrey Schulman. “This phase of construction will create a tremendous upgrade that will benefit the entire student body and provide modern space for several crucial aspects of our athletics program.”

Along with the expansion and upgrades to group fitness, general recreation and varsity athletics that were completed and opened last year, the approved next phase of the project advances important goals of the planned project and furthers the university’s ability to complete the Tarrant Center and remaining project elements as sufficient funding becomes available.

Academic Co-Majors proposal approved

At the recommendation of the Faculty Senate and the university leadership, the board approved a new academic credential called a co-major. The co-major structure adds significant flexibility for undergraduate study, permitting students to pursue two majors in different colleges or schools without  prohibitive degree requirements. Students electing a co-major must successfully complete a major and the degree requirements of their home college or school as well as the requirements of the co-major.

The faculty expect that the co-majors option will broaden and enrich learning opportunities without impeding time to degree, engage students in academic offerings available beyond their home college, and expand interdisciplinary learning options at the university.

In other business:

The Board received a presentation on the University’s Comprehensive Inclusive Excellence Action Plan, which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

The Board received updates on a number of construction projects, including improvements to Howe Library, Wadhams House and Barn, the Central Campus Main District Energy Plant, and the Fleming Museum.