Southwestern Magazine | Fall 2019

Professor of Mathematics and Lord Chair in Mathematics and Computer Science Fumiko Futamura notes that bringing the natural sciences together can also help faculty improve their teaching. Because students from all five departments will be in the same space, faculty members can learn how students in other disciplines are using the material they teach. “Science majors are required to take Introduction to Statistics and Calculus I,” Futamura says. “It will be helpful to hear how they are using what they’re learning. That will help us teach the classes better and better serve students.” The Fondren–Jones Science Center is also facilitating greater interaction between students and faculty. The Chapman–Whitmore Common Room, for example, which features a lounge, lots of whiteboards, and a large study space, sits in the middle of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department, surrounded by the professors’ offices. “Students can pop right in and ask questions,” Futamura says. “So much about succeeding in any major is having a sense of community and support, and this space allows us to create that.” The building was designed to be inviting not just for students and faculty in the natural sciences but for students in all disciplines. With a two-story atrium, taller ceilings, wider corridors, an abundance of natural light, and two outdoor teaching spaces, it is destined to become a gathering place for the entire campus community. “Everyone is going to want to use this building. Students will quickly see the value, regardless of whether they’re an English major or a physics major,” Pierce says. “It’s much better than I ever envisioned. It exceeded my expectations.” To better integrate the building with the rest of the campus, the University built the Floyd and Annetta Jones Plaza between the Fondren–Jones Science Center and Mood–Bridwell Hall. The plaza offers outdoor classroom opportunities, as well as places to sit, think, and recharge. It also features a main gate that welcomes visitors to the campus. “This is a facility that really invites all students to learn about science,” McLean says. " So much about succeeding in any major is having a sense of community and support, and this space allows us to create that. " — Professor Fumiko Futamura THE$15MILLIONGIFTTOSouthwestern is not the first time philanthropist and retired businessman JackGarey has supported the Central Texas region. Georgetown has experienced explosive growth in recent decades—it’s the seventh fastest-growing city in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau—and Garey and his late wife, Camille, recognized that the community needed more parks and open areas for residents to enjoy. In2004, theGareys announced that theywouldbequeath their 525-acre ranch on the SouthFork of the SanGabriel River and $5 million to the city of Georgetown for the development of a city park. They later accelerated the gift, and Garey Park opened in 2018. It is about 1.5 times the size of Austin’s Zilker Park and includes a playground, a splash pad, a dog park, an equestrian arena, fishing ponds, theGareyHouse event space, pavilions, picnic shelters, and more than seven miles of hiking and equestrian trails. In accordance with Garey’s vision, the park features native plants and wildlife and preserves the natural beauty and character of the region. 33 SOUTHWESTERN A passion for nature