Home to the Bush School of Government & Public Service, the newly renovated Allen Building offers numerous legacy naming opportunities.
By Bec Morris ’23
Note: This article originally appeared on the Texas A&M Foundation website on Oct. 11, 2021.
Nestled neatly in the heart of West Campus, the Robert H. ’50 and Judy Ley Allen Building stands as the iconic home of the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Within its walls, the Allen Building has seen over 2,300 Bush School graduates grow into dedicated public servants. The building has also welcomed numerous government officials, former heads of state and distinguished visitors. In recent years, the highly competitive program has blossomed from its original 17 students to more than 340 in residence at the Allen Building, causing the Bush School’s educational needs to outgrow its home of 24 years.
During spring 2020, the first and second floors of the Allen Building were enhanced to accommodate the Bush School as it continues to expand. Now, the Allen Building campaign will provide funding to keep the new spaces operating for years to come.
“We are at an exciting time in our history as we prepare to celebrate 25 years of the Bush School at Texas A&M, and more importantly, 25 years of preparing exceptional public servants who make our country and our world a better place,” said Gen. Mark Welsh III, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Bush School.
The Renovations
For the first time in the Bush School’s history, it is the only academic entity occupying the Allen Building, with plenty of rooms customized to meet the needs of graduate students in the various degree and certificate programs housed therein.
These improved spaces include:
- student learning and collaboration centers;
- graduate assistant research centers for the Department of Public Service & Administration and the Department of International Affairs;
- expanded space for Career and Student Services;
- dedicated spaces for all of the Bush School Centers and Institutes;
- faculty and student breakrooms;
- a student mailroom;
- new classrooms and lecture halls;
- dedicated capstone and interview spaces;
- increased office space; and
- additional conference rooms.
Along with the new additions came extensive rebranding and interior design changes, including quotes from President George H.W. Bush accompanied by patriotic imagery, which can be found in the lobby, atrium and hallways of the Allen Building. These murals craft an atmosphere fitting for the Bush School—a living memorial to the president whose mission it carries out.
“Each gift honors the legacy of our remarkable namesake by encouraging those who walk our halls to believe that they too can make a difference in our world.“
General Mark Welsh III, Dean
“The Allen Building Campaign is more than just a capital project to renovate our space. The renovations will foster learning, personal growth, team building, collaboration and create memories for generations of Bush School students as they prepare to answer the call to serve,” Welsh said.
What’s in a Name?
With the newly updated areas open and ready for use, there’s just one step left: to inspire friends of the Bush School to make an impact on future Aggie public servants and share in the Bush family legacy with the naming of each space.
In keeping with the Bush School’s mission to honor its namesake, 41 legacy naming opportunities are available. These begin at $25,000 for smaller rooms and collaboration spaces, and up to $1 million for lobbies and student learning centers. Gifts will support current and future renovations as well as provide long-term impact for the Bush School through enhancement of the Dean’s Endowed Excellence Fund.
“Your generosity creates both immediate and perpetual impact for our incredible faculty, staff and students,” Welsh said. “Each gift honors the legacy of our remarkable namesake by encouraging those who walk our halls to believe that they too can make a difference in their communities and in our world.”
For more information about naming opportunities and supporting the Bush School, contact Cara Collins ’08, senior director of development.
