USC trustee and founder, chairman and CEO of Los Angeles-based Colony Capital LLC, one of the world’s largest private equity real estate firms, Thomas J. Barrack Jr. and his family have given a $15 million gift to the school. The Barrack’s gift will transform a USC Marshall School of Business building and significantly advance the school’s global mission. The new Barrack Hall will serve as a state-of-the-art home for all of USC Marshall’s international business programs.
“As a distinguished USC trustee and alumnus, Thomas Barrack is a stellar leader in our university’s community, as well as a renowned leader in the sphere of international finance,” said USC President C. L. Max Nikias. “The Barrack family’s exceptionally generous gift will bolster our Marshall School of Business and its faculty and students, and revitalize one of the school’s key facilities for generations to come. We warmly applaud the family’s philanthropic vision.”
The Barrack family’s gift will make possible extensive renovations of Bridge Hall, which was the Marshal School’s first building. It was built in 1928 and named to recognize Dr. and Mrs. Norman Bridge.
The building will serve as the new center for Marshall’s international efforts. The Marshall School currently operates 15 international programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
“Education and the development of a cultural sixth sense are the keys to commerce and commerce is the key to tolerance and understanding. As an alumnus, I feel privileged to supply stewardship for the bricks, while Marshall, its dean, administration and faculty supply the intellectual mortar,” Barrack said. “I am thrilled to be part of this exciting venture at Marshall and hope that the resources provided by the enhanced facility will help nurture the next generations of international business leaders.”
The building will be reconfigured with offices, classrooms, research centers and gathering areas. It will feature cutting-edge tools and digital technology, which will support distance learning and global communication.