Cornell's School of Hotel Administration (SHA) has announced that the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation has committed $3 million to name the Marriott Student Learning Center.

The new center will reconfigure the school's Nestlé Library and George B. Mallory '54 Student Lounge into a facility designed to enhance student learning in the digital age.

As SHA integrates its traditional library services with those of the ILR School and the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, the space currently occupied by book stacks and periodicals will be transformed into the interactive Marriott Center. Reference librarians will still be available to assist student's onsite. The student center will feature flexible work areas for collaborative learning and independent study; small group meeting spaces, with smart board technology for group presentations; and fixed and mobile computing resources for accessing information digitally. It will also have space for relaxing and socializing and will include limited food and beverage options.

Woods Bagot, one of the world's leading architectural firms, has been selected to design the new facility. Construction will begin in spring 2012; the center will open in fall 2012.

"The Marriott family has had an active relationship with the school since the 1950s, and we are grateful to have their incredible gift as we create a student center for the 21st century," said Michael D. Johnson, dean and E.M. Statler Professor at SHA.

The Marriott Foundation -- which focuses its giving in the areas of education, youth and human services -- is one of the largest donors in the school's history. Both the foundation and Marriott International made contributions in 1989 to name the J. Willard Marriott Executive Education Center, which is adjacent to the Statler Hotel at Cornell.

"Through our foundation, the Marriott family has tried to make a difference in the world by supporting causes and organizations that share our ideals. Cornell University and its School of Hotel Administration certainly fit that standard," said J.W. "Bill" Marriott Jr. "The school's mission of 'hospitality leadership through learning' reflects a commitment to improving the hospitality industry through continuous professional growth. The Marriott Company and Foundation share that same commitment."