New Business Building Features Active Learning Classrooms Named for Generous Donors

Written by Sharmaine Wills, Communications Intern, Master of Accountancy Program

Active learning classrooms are a hallmark of the new Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center. Students will be able to experience a highly collaborative and interactive space to allow for discovery-based learning and hands-on experimentation.

Two of the active learning classrooms are lab environments and are located on the first floor, adjacent to the William F. and Peggy L. Schmeltz Atrium. These active learning rooms feature a Skyfold Operable Wall between them that allows for the two spaces to be used as one large space. Also, each of these Active Learning Labs have mostly glass, garage-style doors that open toward the Schmeltz Atrium.

David and Shirley Levey Classroom – 3rd floor

Current BGSU Foundation, Inc. Board of Director member and former BGSU Board of Trustees member and chair, David Levey and his wife, Shirley, have been supportive of the University with numerous gifts. For the Maurer Center, they are providing support for a classroom featuring a state-of-the-art teaching and learning environment designed to bring national visibility to the University. As BGSU seeks to enhance the premium business education it offers, the David and Shirley Levey Classroom will be an essential piece of the overall upgrade of the college, one that is already ranked among the best in the country.

The Leveys also provided funds for a laboratory/classroom in The Wolfe Center for the Arts, scholarships and recently created M. Neil Browne Professorship, among other gifts.

Ryan Family Foundation/Patrick L. Ryan and Bradley R. Ryan Classroom– 1st floor

The Ryan Family Foundation/Patrick L. Ryan and Bradley R. Ryan Classroom will be a lasting tribute to the Ryan family and their significant support of Bowling Green State University. Patrick and Debra Scheetz Ryan are steadfast, long-term supporters of BGSU. Patrick served on the BGSU Foundation Board of Directors for 11 years, where he was chair of the investment committee for several years, as well as board chair for two years.

Debra served as a member of the BGSU Board of Trustees, also serving as chair. The Ryan’s support has been extensive including a professorship, scholarships, a laboratory on campus, athletic programming, a research vessel for the Center for Great Lakes and Watershed Studies and a gift to the Student Union Capital Improvement Endowment Fund.

The Maurer Center and its active learning classrooms will transform the College of Business learning environment where students prepare for careers that are beyond business as usual.