Announcing William Gerard and Lisa Hawkins Byrnes Hall and a $20 million Bequest for Residential Living and Learning

Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,

As we look forward to the start of a new academic year, I am writing to share an exciting campus development. Thanks to a transformative $20 million bequest from Bill (B’72, L’81) and Lisa (SLL’80) Byrnes, it is with deep gratitude that I share the naming of William Gerard and Lisa Hawkins Byrnes Hall on our Hilltop Campus.

Thanks to their generosity, we are able to mark a meaningful milestone towards fulfilling part of the University’s Campus Plan focused on student housing modernization, efforts to contribute to a more sustainable future, and ensuring a vibrant living and learning community where current and future students can thrive.

Bill and Lisa have demonstrated an enduring commitment to Georgetown through their support for scholarships and service to our University community, including Lisa’s engagement on our Alumni Admissions Program as an interviewer and Bill’s service on the Board of Regents, the Wall Street Alliance, and the Entrepreneurship Advisory Group at the McDonough School of Business.

Byrnes Hall will be one of three new residence halls located on the north side of campus across from the Leavey Center. This new community offers apartment-style living dedicated to juniors and seniors.

We are deeply thankful to Bill and Lisa for their leadership, vision, and generosity. Their support will deepen our efforts in student formation, and their legacy will continue through the community that flourishes in Byrnes Hall and through the lives of the students they continue to support and inspire.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves
Interim President