Longtime friend and Boca Raton philanthropist Eleanor R. Baldwin made a $7.5 million gift commitment to Florida Atlantic University Athletics. In recognition of her generous support, FAU’s current basketball and volleyball facility will be named the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
“I am so proud of all that FAU has accomplished in our wonderful Boca Raton community and so grateful that I’m able to continue making a big impact on this incredible institution,” Baldwin said. “I love being able to support and enhance the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena for our student-athletes, coaches and the community.”
Baldwin’s magnanimous gift will be instrumental in renovating and improving the arena, which will greatly enhancement the experience within the facility for all stakeholders.
“Eleanor has generously supported so many projects and initiatives at FAU and throughout the community, and we are so incredibly grateful to her for this gift,” said Brian White, vice president and director of athletics at FAU. “We cannot thank her enough for this support, which will impact the lives of so many Owl student-athletes, coaches, staff and community members who will utilize the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.”
With this most recent gift, Baldwin’s total philanthropic support of FAU is now more than $10 million. Baldwin’s name is widely known at the university, as it graces the Eleanor R. Baldwin House, the on-campus residence for the university president. FAU Athletics also is home to the Eleanor R. Baldwin History and Tradition Hall inside the Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence, as well as the Eleanor R. Baldwin President’s Suite at FAU Stadium.
The Baldwin gift was one of 14 transformational leadership gifts of $5M or more announced as part of the University’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, “Transcend Tomorrow: The Campaign for Florida Atlantic University.”
Over the years, Baldwin has remained a true champion of Florida Atlantic and its students, from mentoring future educators, to cheering on FAU sports teams, to donating crucial funds to support the university’s growth. The Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena is one more shining example of her generosity at Florida Atlantic.
