Marymount University in Arlington has received a record $3
million gift toward the construction of its planned 26th
Street project from Preston C. Caruthers, a prominent
Northern Virginia businessman and community leader.
Caruthers is chairman of Carfam II Associates, L.P., a real
estate development firm headquartered in Arlington. He is
also a longtime supporter of Marymount, having been involved
with the institution since the mid-1960s as a friend and
advisor to three of its presidents. His commitment for the
26th Street project represents the largest single gift from
an individual in the university’s history.
Marymount’s 26th Street project, approved by the Arlington
County Board of Supervisors in July 2007, is a planned
multi-purpose development on the site of a current surface
parking lot owned by the university at the intersection of
26th Street, Old Dominion Drive and Yorktown Boulevard.
The project will include an academic building focused on
science and health science, a residence hall providing
suite-style accommodations for 230 students and attractive
outdoor spaces, all built over underground parking.
In recognition of Caruthers’ generous support, the project’s
academic building, which will house classrooms, lecture
halls, faculty offices and laboratories, will be named
Caruthers Hall.
“The 26th Street project responds directly to our most
critical needs,” said Marymount President James E. Bundschuh.
“These new facilities will help us to meet the increasing
demand for campus housing, significantly enhance instruction
in several key academic programs and address the parking
challenges that we have faced for several years.
“This project represents a transformational moment for
Marymount University; it will really take us to the next
level of excellence and distinction,” Bundschuh said. “Yet
this is not the first milestone in Marymount’s history and,
looking back, I realize that Preston Caruthers was right
there with us during all of this institution’s previous
moments of transition and transformation. Preston understands
Marymount’s educational mission; he supports our commitment
to academic excellence and to helping each student achieve
his or her potential. Preston Caruthers has always been a
great leader within the Arlington community and a great
friend to Marymount University. We are grateful for his
unfailing and generous support.”
