Gift to Transform Arena

Longtime friend of the university and Boca Raton philanthropist

Eleanor R. Baldwin recently made a $7.5 million gift to FAU Athletics to renovate and improve the basketball and volleyball facility. In recognition of her generosity, the facility is now named the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.

“I am so proud of all that FAU has accomplished in our wonderful Boca Raton community and so grateful that I’m able to continue making a big impact on this incredible institution,” Baldwin said. “I love being able to support and enhance the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena for our student-athletes, coaches and the community.”

Baldwin’s total philanthropic support of FAU is now more than $10 million and her name is widely known at the university. More than 20 years ago, she made a seven-figure gift to construct a president’s residence on the Boca Raton campus, which was named the Eleanor R. Baldwin House in her honor. FAU Athletics also is home to the Eleanor R. Baldwin History and Tradition Hall in the Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence, as well as the Eleanor R. Baldwin President’s Suite at FAU Stadium.

“Eleanor has generously supported so many projects and initiatives at FAU and throughout the community, and we are so incredibly grateful to her for this gift,” said Brian White, FAU vice president and director of athletics. “We cannot thank her enough for this support, which will impact the lives of so many Owl studentathletes, coaches, staff and community members who will utilize the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.”