A legacy of leadership: Major donors advance Kellogg’s Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center
When the new Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center opens its doors on Kellogg’s Evanston campus in fall 2027, it will stand as more than an architectural achievement. The state-of-the-art facility overlooking Lake Michigan will represent the combined vision and generosity of leaders who understand that transformative spaces create transformative experiences.
Last year, Kellogg announced that the building will be named in honor of Ann McIlrath Drake '84 MBA ('25, '25 GP) in recognition of her philanthropic support of Kellogg. Several additional visionary donors have made lead gifts instrumental to bringing this ambitious project to life.
A community of visionaries
The following donors have made commitments of $10 million or more toward the new building:
- T. Bondurant French ’75, ’76 MBA ('07, '21 P)
- Christopher B. Galvin ’73, ’77 MBA and Cynthia B. Galvin ’78 (’11 P)
- Kimberly K. Querrey (’22, ’23 P) and her late husband, Louis A. Simpson ’58 (’96 P)
- Michael S. Shannon ’83 MBA and Mary Sue Shannon (’10, ’15 P)
These donors represent more than extraordinary generosity. They are longtime supporters of Northwestern and Kellogg whose vision and leadership have helped shape both institutions. Bon French, Christopher Galvin, Kimberly Querrey and Mike Shannon are Northwestern trustees. Ann Drake, Bon French and Christopher Galvin serve on Kellogg’s Global Advisory Board. Their deep engagement means they understand not just what Kellogg is today, but what it can become tomorrow.
Building the future together
The Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center represents a new chapter for Kellogg — one where technology-enabled classrooms seamlessly integrate in-person and virtual learning, where Executive MBA and Executive Education programs have a dedicated home, and where all Kellogg students can engage with a global network of peers and practitioners.
“We are profoundly grateful to these visionary supporters, who are investing in something much larger than a building,” said Francesca Cornelli, dean of the Kellogg School of Management. “They are investing in the future of our students, in the evolution of business education and in the kind of leadership our world needs. Their generosity creates a lasting legacy — one that will shape leaders and advance Northwestern and Kellogg for generations to come.”
The Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center is the centerpiece of Kellogg’s Full Circle Campaign, an ambitious initiative to reimagine business education. To date, Kellogg has raised 56% of the campaign’s $600 million goal.