Grady lawn to be renovated, renamed ‘Schnitzer Family Media Lawn’

At the start of fall semester, all incoming and returning Grady College students will be welcomed to campus with an improved and expanded lawn upon which to study, socialize and relax. The transformation will take place thanks to a generous donation from the Schnitzer family, celebrating Lauren Schnitzer (AB ’21), who graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree in public relations.

The redesign will feature rolling grass hills, a new ADA accessible pathway and an outdoor classroom with seating, which will be accessible by way of a new staircase where the gray wall currently sits.

“We are so excited to transform the exterior of the college in a project designed to improve space for our students and open our college up to the rest of campus,” said Charles Davis, dean of Grady College. “The big gray wall in front is coming down and will be replaced by a landscaped outdoor amphitheater, with increased seating on the Sanford Drive corner of the building.  We’re also thrilled to include hardscape pathways that will ease access to the college for everyone.  It will be an incredible enhancement to our environment.”

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Construction is scheduled to start May 16 and finish by the time students return in August.

“We want every student to feel that they can go check out Grady,” said Sara Cook, senior director of development at Grady.  “The Schnitzer Family Media Lawn will serve as a red carpet entrance to all the incredible educational opportunities available at Grady College.”

Even with the renovation, some notable features of the existing lawn will remain the same, including the granite slabs for lounging, engraved granite tiles and bamboo shoots protruding through the table seating area.

“Lauren had a great experience at Grady,” said Ken Schnitzer, the proud father. “Our family is honored to support the College and improve functionality and access to one of the most special places on campus.”