The University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management is set to begin renovations to the Carlson building starting in December, with changes including a new name, atrium, auditorium and study spaces.

The blueprints for the Carlson building were drawn in 1995, almost 30 years ago. Now, with their $40 million project called Connecting Carlson, Carlson hopes changes to the building will give their students a competitive edge in the ever-changing business world. 

Steve Henneberry, director of  Strategic and Faculty Communications at Carlson, said while the day-to-day experience will be the same for students, the physical spaces will be different, bringing everyone together. 

“We need a space that’s going to really enhance what we’re doing,” Henneberry said. “What do we absolutely need to get done so that we can maintain a competitive edge and also make sure our faculty and staff and our students are in an environment where that’s going to meet their needs today.”

According to Henneberry, at least 12 donors, consisting of people, families and foundations, donated gifts to a total of $24 million in support of the project with the rest of the $40 million expected to come in the future. Henneberry said they also had to work with University Finance to get money to keep the project moving forward and in time while they continue to fundraise. 

Marilyn Carlson Nelson, the daughter of Curt Carlson, the building’s namesake, is the lead donor for the project. 

Upon completion, the Carlson building will be renamed to Marilyn Carlson Nelson Hall, the first University building named after a female philanthropist, according to Henneberry. 

Theresa Glomb, a professor at Carlson and the department chair of Work and Organizations, said many people are proud to be working in a building named for Carlson Nelson, who is a pillar in the business community. 

“Most people don’t think about the individual a building is named after, and it’s striking how few honor women,” Glomb said. “Naming our building after Marilyn Carlson Nelson will not just be a point of pride for Carlson students, but also a point of optimism that we might have more inclusivity and diversity in naming buildings and spaces on campus.” 

Amy Do, a second-year marketing and entrepreneurial management student at Carlson, said the business world is still male-dominated, so having representation and someone to look up to is really significant. 

“Especially being a businesswoman, I think this is a novel step for us, especially seeing a woman representing us in this big school, this big establishment, so I would express a lot of gratefulness and overall happiness,” Do said. 

As for the project, Do said she is glad the money is coming from sponsors and other sources, not tuition. 

Niko Vasilopoulos, Student Body President of the Carlson School, said the project being funded entirely from the outside is a big deal. 

“I think it’s really cool that we’re able to have the nice resources and facilities that we do because of our alumni,” Vasilopoulos said. 

Vasilopoulos added students are heard when it comes to the project, with more study spaces and experiential learning opportunities. 

“We’re way over capacity,” Vasilopoulos said. “This renovation will help us alleviate some of that crowding. We’ve made it clear that we want some more space, and they’re making it happen.” 

Josh Atilade is a second-year biology major who said he is happy for Carlson. He added he is excited for the future of the business school and what they will be using the money for.

“For me personally, I wouldn’t like it if my business school is kind of lacking,” Atilade said. “I like all of them to kind of be on the same page.” 

Henneberry said with the landscape of business schools across the country, the amenities for students are significantly different. 

“I think it’s looking at the space and seeing that other schools across the U.S. and within the Twin Cities have newer spaces and have amenities that students are responding to,” Henneberry said.

At a launch event held for the project in the fall, Carlson Nelson spoke to the attendees, according to Henneberry. 

“She said, ‘we simply can’t expect our renowned faculty to do the job teaching and innovating for tomorrow’s connecting world in yesterday’s 27-year-old spaces. An analog space in an AI world,’” Henneberry said. 

Glomb said she likes the idea of renovating and refreshing instead of knocking down the building and restarting. 

“With the plans and the goals we have for that space, we hope to invoke an idea, not just of education, but community and collaboration and connectivity,” Glomb said.

This article has been updated.