Sweet Briar College has received a $3 million gift from Kitty King Corbett Powell, class of 1938, of Houston, for the renovation and expansion of the Mary Helen Cochran Library. In recognition of Powell's extraordinary generosity, the College is naming the library's main reading room "The Kitty Corbett Powell '38 Reading Room" in a dedication ceremony on Friday, Sept. 24, during the 2004 Alumnae Council Weekend.

As the only intact interior space on campus designed by architect Ralph Adams Cram, the leading college architect in the United States at the time of its design, the main reading room continues to be an incomparable central gathering place for reading or studying and is memorable to Sweet Briar students from every generation. The room has walls graced by Corinthian pilasters and a soaring ceiling crowning the space with geometric design. It will be restored to its original beauty and functionality, thus bringing new life to one of the most magnificent places on campus.

"I decided to support the new Library and Technology Center because I am so fond of Sweet Briar, of libraries, and of Ralph Adams Cram and his work," said Powell. "This is such a worthwhile project, and I know that Sweet Briar will use the money to great advantage."

The Mary Helen Cochran Library was designed in 1927 by the Boston architectural firm Cram and Ferguson and completed in 1929. Through her campaign investment, Powell will help launch the renovation of the original library structure, the first step in the expansion of the Library and Technology Center.

"The new Library and Technology Center is incredibly important to the Sweet Briar community because we must continue forging ahead, making improvements all of the time," Powell said. "It is a shame for the current library facility to be so antiquated."

In fall 2002, Sweet Briar embarked on the largest comprehensive fund-raising effort in the College's history with the public announcement of an unprecedented campaign goal of $102 million. Our Campaign For Her World emphasizes a mix of endowment, facility, and program objectives and seeks support for the College's Annual Fund. In addition to the building needs that the campaign will support, faculty and students will benefit from scholarships and funds for many academic activities. More than $80 million in gifts and pledges to the campaign have been received.

The campaign goal and first-phase funding for the Library and Technology Center is $6,400,000. With the addition of Powell's $3 million gift, this goal - partial funding for the entire project - is nearly complete.

Powell is the managing trustee of The Powell Foundation. Her husband, the late Ben H. Powell, was executive vice president, director, and chief counsel for Brown & Root, Inc. She is the mother of Marian Harrison, class of 1963.

To learn more about Our Campaign For Her World and the plans for the proposed Library and Technology Center, please visit giving.sbc.edu.