Armour Wall, north side

A new installation unlike any on the IIT campus was unveiled in The McCormick Tribune Campus Center on February 7. It honors members of the Philip Danforth Armour Society—families who have given $1 million or more to further the university’s mission.

“I encourage every member of the IIT community to stop by the MTCC and check out this tribute to families who have made transformational gifts,” said Betsy Hughes, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “We are so grateful to our campus facilities team, 2×4 and Studio Gang for creating this breathtakingly original tribute.”

Gracing both the north and south walls that encase the stairs to the MTCC ballroom, the display was designed by 2×4 and Studio Gang Architects to complement the interior of the Rem Koolhaas-designed building.

The north-side wall features strategically spaced dimensional letters spelling out the names of Armour Society families, and the south-side wall features an iPad embedded in the wall, just beneath a brief description of the giving society. Visitors can scroll through the iPad to read about Armour Society members and their connection to the university.

“Take a moment in this space to learn some of IIT’s history,” Hughes said. “These are remarkable stories about dedicated alumni and friends who care deeply about the mission, students and faculty of IIT.”

Armour Wall, south side

The Armour Wall was hidden beneath white draping fabric until the evening of February 7, when Fueling Innovation: The Campaign For IIT was launched at a party featuring trustees, students, faculty and friends of the university. The crowd gasped audibly when Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Rowe presented it.