After three years of extensive construction and renovation, the Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) has officially opened its newly transformed campus. The project, completed for the start of the fall quarter, consolidates the school's facilities into a single, cohesive location for the first time, introducing new and updated spaces designed for modern educational scholarship and collaboration.
The comprehensive overhaul included the renovation of two historic structures and the construction of a major new building, creating a unified hub for students, faculty, and staff. The new campus aims to enhance community engagement and support the school's academic mission through state-of-the-art facilities.
Key Takeaways
- The Stanford Graduate School of Education campus reopened after a three-year construction project.
- The project included a new four-story building, the Patricia & Jeffrey Raikes Building.
- Two historic buildings, the Barnum Center and the former Education Building, were fully renovated.
- The school is now consolidated in one central location at the heart of the Stanford campus.
- New spaces are designed to promote collaboration, connection, and community events.
A Major Campus Transformation
The large-scale project marks a significant milestone for the GSE, bringing all its departments and resources together. The centerpiece of the expansion is the new four-story Patricia & Jeffrey Raikes (Raikes) Building, which adds significant classroom, office, and laboratory space.
Alongside the new construction, two existing buildings received comprehensive renovations. The historic Education Building has been renamed the Angela Nomellini & Ken Olivier (ANKO) Building, and the Barnum Center has also been updated. These efforts have modernized the facilities while preserving their historical character.
Project Scope and Consolidation
Prior to this project, the GSE's faculty and programs were spread across different locations. The three-year initiative was designed to physically unify the school, creating a more integrated and collaborative environment. The new layout centralizes resources and facilitates easier interaction among students and researchers from various educational disciplines.
Designing for Collaboration and Community
The redesign was guided by a vision to foster what the school's dean described as the "three C’s." In an email to the GSE community, I. James Quillen Dean Dan Schwartz highlighted the goals of the new campus.
"The spaces are designed to support the three C’s of collaboration, connection, and convening. I look forward to seeing how we use the spaces; how our community culture evolves; how the rest of the university is drawn to the heart of educational scholarship; and what possibilities start here." – Dan Schwartz, Dean of the Stanford GSE
This philosophy is evident in the campus's new central hub, the Penner Education Courtyard. This expansive outdoor area connects the new and renovated buildings, offering a versatile space for events, informal gatherings, and even an outdoor classroom, encouraging interaction beyond traditional academic settings.
Enhanced Facilities for Learning and Research
Students and faculty now have access to a range of modern amenities. The remodeled Education Library is a key feature, spanning two stories and designed with large windows to fill the space with natural light. It offers quiet study areas and access to essential academic resources.
Featured Art Installation
The Forum within the ANKO Building features a prominent art installation titled The Gravity of the Sun by artist Jacob Hashimoto. The piece adds a unique cultural and aesthetic element to the new academic space.
Throughout the buildings, new classrooms, laboratories, and study spaces have been established. Faculty and staff began moving into their new offices as the quarter commenced, familiarizing themselves with the upgraded environment.
A Warm Welcome for the GSE Community
To celebrate the opening, the GSE hosted several events during the first weeks of the quarter. An all-community picnic was held in the Penner Education Courtyard, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to mark the new academic year in the new space.
Another welcome event, titled “Planting Your Roots at the GSE,” provided a hands-on activity for the community. Participants potted succulents to decorate their new desks and offices, symbolizing a fresh start and personal connection to the new campus.
- Community Picnic: An outdoor gathering in the new courtyard for all members of the GSE.
- Planting Event: An interactive activity for students and staff to personalize their new workspaces.
- T-Shirts: Commemorative T-shirts were distributed to celebrate the reopening.
Future Engagement and Formal Dedication
While the campus is now fully operational, a formal dedication ceremony is scheduled to take place later in the fall quarter. The school also has plans to leverage its new facilities to engage with the wider community beyond Stanford.
Throughout the academic year, the GSE will host a variety of public events. These will include professional development opportunities for teachers, public discussions on critical topics in education, and research workshops. According to the school, the new campus will serve as a hub for advancing educational scholarship and practice, welcoming educators and the public to participate in its mission.