Shonda Rhimes will make history at Dartmouth College as the first woman and Black alumna to have a building named in her honor. The Emmy-winning producer pledged $15 million for a new undergraduate residence hall that will bear her name. This historic commitment marks the first building at the prestigious college named for both a woman and a Black graduate.
Dartmouth announced Rhimes’ groundbreaking pledge on September 22, 2025, highlighting her continued support for her alma mater since graduating in 1991. The five-story Shonda Rhimes Hall is scheduled to break ground early next year and open in 2028 for the Class of 2032. The building will house 123 upper-level students in modern apartment-style suites with intentional gathering spaces.
“Dartmouth wasn’t made in my image, but it is possible to remake it to include my image,” Rhimes stated about her historic contribution. “There has been a continual making and remaking of who Dartmouth is for and who belongs here,” she added, emphasizing the transformative nature of her gift.
Record-Breaking Gift Transforms Campus Housing and Student Experience
The $15 million donation represents one of the largest individual contributions to Dartmouth’s ambitious $500 million housing initiative. This comprehensive program aims to accommodate over 90% of undergraduates on campus through modern residential facilities. Rhimes Hall will serve as a cornerstone of this transformative housing expansion project.
The building’s design will incorporate Rhimes’ vision for student wellness and creativity through specialized amenities. Features will include a wellness studio, soundproof creative rooms, and a grand piano in the common area. These elements reflect her understanding of what students need to find connection, creativity, and balance during their college years.
“It’s an opportunity to show how formative my college experience was for me,” Rhimes explained about her motivation for the gift. “It’s also really beautiful to be able to place some legacy on the building—to give back what was given to me and to leave something behind.” Her words underscore the personal significance of supporting future generations of Dartmouth students.
Rhimes’ Continued Leadership Role Strengthens Dartmouth Connection
Beyond her historic financial contribution, Rhimes maintains active involvement in Dartmouth’s governance and cultural life as a Board of Trustees member. Her ongoing commitment includes supporting the reopening of the Hopkins Center for the Arts, where she performed and directed as a student. This involvement demonstrates her deep connection to the institution’s artistic and educational mission.
Her relationship with Dartmouth gained national attention following her powerful 2014 commencement address that resonated with graduates and the broader public. The speech showcased her ability to inspire and challenge audiences while sharing personal insights about success and authenticity. This moment helped establish her as one of Dartmouth’s most prominent and influential graduates.
As a trustee, Rhimes brings her entertainment industry expertise and commitment to diversity to institutional decision-making processes. Her perspective helps guide Dartmouth’s evolution to become more inclusive and representative of contemporary student populations. This leadership role complements her financial contribution by providing ongoing strategic guidance.
Building Design Reflects Rhimes’ Vision for Creative Community
Rhimes will actively participate in the design process to ensure the residence hall meets students’ diverse needs for both academic success and personal growth. The apartment-style suites will provide students with more independence while maintaining community connections through thoughtfully planned common areas. This balance reflects modern residential education principles that support both individual development and collaborative learning.
The inclusion of specialized creative spaces acknowledges the importance of artistic expression in student life and academic achievement. Soundproof rooms will allow students to practice music, record podcasts, or engage in other creative pursuits without disturbing neighbors. These facilities recognize that creativity often flourishes in residential settings where students have easy access to inspiring spaces.
The wellness studio component addresses growing awareness of mental health and physical well-being in college environments. This amenity will provide students with convenient access to fitness and mindfulness activities within their residential community. The integration of wellness facilities into student housing represents a progressive approach to holistic student support.
Historic Naming Addresses Long-Standing Representation Gap
The naming of Rhimes Hall addresses a significant historical gap in campus recognition of women and Black graduates at Dartmouth. Despite the college’s 255-year history, no previous building had been named for a woman or Black alumna until this announcement. This milestone represents meaningful progress in acknowledging diverse contributions to the institution’s legacy and success.
Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock praised the gift’s transformative impact on campus culture and student experience. “This extraordinary gift is pivotal for Dartmouth at this time,” she stated, emphasizing how the contribution will “directly enhance the student experience while reimagining a key part of campus.” The president’s comments highlight the gift’s significance beyond its financial value.
The building’s name will serve as daily inspiration for future generations of students, particularly women and students of color who may see themselves reflected in Rhimes’ success story. “I’m grateful to Shonda, who has made a career of creating inclusive worlds where any one of us can be the protagonist of the story,” President Beilock noted, connecting Rhimes’ entertainment work to her educational impact.
Educational Investment Reflects Broader Support for Higher Education
Rhimes positioned her gift within the context of contemporary debates about higher education’s value and accessibility. “At a time when it feels like people are questioning the value of higher education, it feels important to put my money back into higher education,” she explained. Her statement addresses ongoing discussions about college costs, outcomes, and societal benefits.
The timing of her announcement and gift comes as many institutions face financial challenges and declining enrollment in certain sectors. Rhimes’ high-profile support for residential college education provides a powerful endorsement of traditional higher education models. Her success story demonstrates the potential return on investment that quality education can provide.
Her commitment also reflects broader trends among successful alumni who are increasing their philanthropic support for educational institutions. This pattern suggests growing recognition among business and entertainment leaders about the importance of investing in future generations. Rhimes’ gift may inspire similar contributions from other prominent graduates across various industries and institutions.
