Thursday, October 17, 2024
By: Kyle Niblett
Thanks to a transformative gift from Jon Antevy (BDES ’93, MSBC ’94) and his wife Melanie, the 80,000-plus square foot University of Florida Architecture Building is now known as Jonathan and Melanie Antevy Hall.
In front of hundreds of distinguished guests on a beautiful crisp Fall afternoon, the UF College of Design, Construction and Planning held a ceremony Thursday officially renaming the facility. The naming ceremony was part of the Eighth Annual DCP Leadership Summit, which was attended by Dean Chimay Anumba’s Advisory Council and the accompanying unit advisory boards featuring each department and discipline.
“This gift kickstarted our facilities campaign to improve this building and started the process that led to all the enhancements happening in our college,” Anumba said. “We are forever indebted to the Antevy family for naming the Architecture Building.”
Jon and Melanie, surrounded by their children, Orly, Hazel and Leetal, UF Interim President Kent Fuchs, Board of Trustees member David L. Brandon and Anumba, received a standing ovation following Jon’s speech.
“I know I speak for both of us when I say that giving back to an institution that helped nurture e-Builder is a great privilege,” Jon said. “We trust our efforts, both financially and through continuing interactions with the students, will enhance the educational experience for students at DCP for years to come.”
With Antevy Hall joining the Bruno E. and Maritza F. Ramos Collaboratory and Rinker Hall, DCP becomes the only college in America focused on the built and natural environment with every facility (minimum three) bearing the name of philanthropic donors. This is a testament to the strong tradition of giving that defines DCP alumni, as DCP graduates represent one of the highest rates of philanthropy per capita on campus.
“Thanks to the contributions of Bruno Ramos, the Bruno and Maritza Ramos Collaboratory—along with Jonathan and Melanie Antevy Hall—will become a hub of innovation, a sanctuary for collaboration, and a beacon of hope for all who enter,” Jon finished with.
