Chatter of “opportunity” and “possibility” echoed through the new business college as attendees prepared for the long-awaited dedication of Amy and David Chandler Hall, or as the Chandlers call it, “The Chan.”
President Timothy Caboni, the Chandlers and other major contributors of the new building gathered Friday morning to cut a cherry red ribbon inside Chandler Hall, officially dedicating the new business college.
Caboni thanked and acknowledged some of those heavily involved in the construction of Chandler Hall. Along with the $7.5 million gift from the Chandlers, the Kentucky General Assembly gave $74.4 million toward the project.
Several leaders involved in the project, some in the Gordon Ford College of Business, sat on stage at the event, including the Chandlers. There were also several Board of Regents members and political figures in the crowd.
Amy Chandler, the first female appointed and elected as Warren County Attorney, gave a speech for both her and David Chandler. She expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the new business building, the university and for her husband.
“This occasion is not simply about cutting a ribbon or naming a building,” she said in her speech. “We believe that we’re celebrating today a vision; a vision of excellence, opportunity, and innovation. Today, we mark the creation of a place where leaders of tomorrow will be prepared, inspired and equipped to shape the entire world.”
While they are proud to contribute to this project, Amy Chandler said Chandler Hall is about the possibilities the building provides for future generations of students.
“It’s about the faculty whose teaching will be elevated, the students whose dreams will be nurtured, and the businesses and communities that will benefit from the knowledge cultivated here on this spot,” she said.
Amy Chandler referred to the new college a few times in her speech as “The Chan,” a nickname that David Chandler gave the building. She said “The Chan” is only going to elevate the business college to even greater heights.
After a few more speeches from leaders on stage, everyone gathered together and cheered as the ribbon was cut.
Caboni told the press that a $7.5 million commitment is a “tremendous investment” in the university. He said everyone should be thankful for the Chandlers’ “belief in what we can accomplish together” and for their “willingness” to invest in young people.
Caboni also said Chandler Hall will play a partial role in the university’s step toward becoming an R-2 institution.
“In fall of 2027, we expect to open our data science as PG (post-graduate) Ph. D, the first in WKU history, and part of it will happen right here in Chandler Hall,” Caboni said.
Some of the crowd got in line for fruit and meat kabobs, custom cookies, sweets and refreshments after the dedication, while others toured the new building. Attendees could also take a print and sticker of the building, both made by a student.
Kevin O’Doherty, junior finance major, said he attended the dedication ceremony because he is involved in organizations like the Real Estate Investment Club and Financial Planning Association. He said he also wanted to come out to see David Chandler, who is “really big” in the real estate world.
O’Doherty said students should come to dedications like this because they get to see the people that put time and effort into buildings they use, and it also gives students opportunities to connect with industry professionals. O’Doherty said Chandler Hall truly is a place students can spend all day in.
“Your classes, studying, connecting with professors, students,” O’Doherty said. “It was really great to actually live in that moment, and that’s where I really spend all my days.”
