Steven S. Wymer Hall, the newest building on the business campus and a partnership between Gies College of Business and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was officially dedicated on October 10. At nearly 100,000 square feet, Wymer Hall is a game changer for Gies Business and for campus. This state-of-the-art building will help prepare Illinois students for futures of purpose and impact. A shared resource for all of campus, Wymer Hall will bring online and on-campus learning to new levels.

“A project like this does not happen on its own. It takes a vision, a commitment, and the hard work of countless people,” said Gies Business Dean Brooke Elliott. Elliott thanked the many donors who joined Steven Wymer in supporting the project, the many Gies Business staff who assisted with the project, the builders and architects, and the Student Sustainability Committee, which provided funding for the geothermal system used in Wymer Hall. Gies alumna Chitra Ramanathan (MBA ’97), one of the three artists whose works are found in Wymer Hall, was also in attendance and recognized.

“Everything about this building was designed with learners in mind,” said Elliott. “It offers flexible classrooms, collaboration areas, content production studios, team workspaces, and welcoming lounges. Every detail reflects our intentionality – spaces that foster collaboration, spark innovation, and build connection.”

Steven Wymer told the audience that his giving to Gies Business accelerated during COVID. “It was a time for me to give back to the school,” he said. “I reflected upon the partial scholarship that I received when I was student as an undergrad here. Dean Vernon Zimmerman gave me a partial scholarship to help me pay for my education here, and for that, I'm grateful. But it's also to invest in school that's been a big part of my life and put me on a good path forward, where I learned a lot from my fellow students, fellow teachers, and it gave me the confidence to move forward in the business world.”

Wymer Hall features flexible hybrid classrooms, informal collaboration spaces, and student-focused lounges that encourage teamwork and connection. From restaurant-style booths and terrace views to a 200-seat auditorium designed for interaction, every corner of the building promotes a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Wymer Hall also brings experiential and online learning together under one roof. The Magelli Office of Experiential Learning will occupy space within the building, supporting flagship programs like BUS 301: Business in Action – the nation’s largest experiential learning course. Students will collaborate in new team rooms designed for professional client meetings and project work, both in person and online. At the same time, Wymer Hall’s cutting-edge live studios and soundstages will advance Gies Business’ renowned online programs, allowing faculty to create immersive, high-quality digital experiences. Together, these elements make Wymer Hall a hub for collaboration, innovation, and the future of learning.

“It's an investment in the success of the College. It's an investment in the success of the campus,” said University of Illinois Provost John Coleman. “And it's an investment in innovation, because it is not your traditional teaching and learning environment. It is truly a transforming and transformative kind of environment where different kinds of learning opportunities will happen than would otherwise be possible due to the amazing thoughtfulness and creativity of all the team members who made this vision a reality.”

The building also reflects the strong commitment to sustainability by Gies Business and campus. Wymer Hall is one of the first buildings on campus to utilize state-of-the art geothermal technology for its heating and cooling. It is a key part of Gies Business becoming the first college at the University of Illinois to achieve net-zero status.

Following the ceremony, attendees had an opportunity to tour the building. For some donors, it was an opportunity to see their name outside the classroom or meeting space that their generosity helped create. For everyone, it was a time to see the advanced learner-centric classrooms, collaboration spaces, and offices the building offers.

About Steven Wymer

Steven Wymer, a 1985 Gies Business alumnus with a bachelor's in accountancy, is a portfolio manager in the Equity and High Income division at Fidelity Investments. A native of Danville, Illinois, he is one of the nation’s leading experts in investment management. In 2017 he received Morningstar’s Domestic-Stock Fund Manager of the Year Award for Fidelity Growth Company Fund.