UK names student center after alumni/donor

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- After years of planning and construction, the new student center at the University of Kentucky is officially opened to the public.

The state-of-the-art student center has everything you could ask for, a brand new bookstore, top of the line dining area, even it’s own Starbucks, but the one thing people were celebrating the most on this opening day was the man this center is named after.

“There was no bigger advocate and supporter of our audacious dreams than Mr. Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton,” said Dr. Eli Capilouto, president of the University of Kentucky.

On Monday morning, the University of Kentucky announced it’s plans to name the new student center after UK alum and donor Bill Gatton.

“Mr. Gatton believes deeply in the profound and important mission of this institution,” said Dr. Capilouto.

Gatton graduated from UK in the 1950’s before going on to open several car dealerships in the south.

A life-long philanthropist, Gatton donated a record $20 million to UK back in 2014 to build the $200 million student center.

“This center will enable students and scholars, staff and community members to break bread together, to meet and discuss, to engage and explore, to be the beating heart of a vibrant campus community unlike any other,” said Edward Britt Brockman, chair of the UK Board of Trustees.

The close to 400-thousand-square-foot facility contains new retail and dining space, a bookstore and countless meeting, learning and living spaces.

It’s a center university officials say will benefit countless Wildcats to come.

“His impact will be felt by generations of students who will meet lifelong friends, establish life-altering connections and find their passions and connections in this place,” said Brockman.

Something university officials say they will forever be grateful for.

“That is Bill Gatton’s legacy, a lifetime of success and endeavors too many to count, a lifetime of joyous deep giving to the students of this university, his university, the University for Kentucky. Thank you mr. Gatton,” said Dr. Capilouto.

Some of the interior and outdoor landscaping is still in the process of being finished.

University officials tell me they expect everything to be complete by June.