Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center

Follow the journey from groundbreaking to grand opening

Set along the Lake Michigan shoreline and connected to the Kellogg Global Hub via an underground corridor, the Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center will expand hybrid learning, deepen global engagement and create inspiring spaces where leaders come together to grow. As we build toward opening in fall 2027, this page invites you to follow along with building milestones, stories and behind‑the‑scenes progress snapshots.

Where Kellogg’s collaborative spirit comes to life
The Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center is a bold new investment in Kellogg’s signature, close‑knit community—purposefully designed to spark connection, collaboration and the kind of cohort experiences that define our culture. Every space in the building has been crafted to bring students together, support high‑impact learning and create the relationships that power personal and professional growth. 
Dive deeper into the plans and vision shaping the Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center
Construction updates
Winter 2026 Fall 2025 Summer 2025 Spring 2025

Celebrating progress and the community powering it

This winter marked an energizing moment on-site. As the tower crane came down — a major sign of construction moving into its next phase — we celebrated the extraordinary donors and leaders whose commitment is turning this ambitious vision into reality.

Kellogg News
A legacy of leadership: Major donors advance Kellogg’s Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center
3 minute read
exterior shot of a glass building surrounded by green trees

See how the Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center reshapes Kellogg’s footprint

Dive into the latest construction milestones as the new building rises into its place on campus — showing how each beam and breakthrough is shaping a connected, future‑ready Kellogg environment.

A name that reflects vision and leadership

In fall 2025, Kellogg announced that its new building will bear the name of Ann McIlrath Drake '84 MBA — a pioneering alumna whose leadership, generosity and passion for empowering others have transformed industries and enriched the Kellogg community. At the same time, construction milestones such as glass installation signaled the building’s rapid progress.

Kellogg News
Kellogg School of Management names state-of-the-art executive center to honor Ann M. Drake
Largest donor in school’s history is visionary leader, philanthropist and champion for women
4 minute read
Rendering of building

Laying the foundation for a new learning experience

During the early months of construction, the vision for a globally connected, hybrid learning environment began to take shape. These foundational steps laid groundwork for a flexible, forward‑looking building designed to meet the needs of today’s leaders — and tomorrow’s.

Building the future, one milestone at a time

Watch the transformation from foundational work to rising structure as teams bring to life a space designed for interaction, innovation and meaningful connection across time zones and geographies.

A groundbreaking that opened a new era

The groundbreaking in May 2025 brought together alumni, faculty, donors and friends to celebrate the beginning of a building that will strengthen the Kellogg learning experience for years to come.

Kellogg News
Kellogg breaks ground on state-of-the-art education facility
The new building will provide seamless global engagement and hybrid learning through cutting-edge technology.
5 minute read
A group of people wearing purple Kellogg hard hats pose with shovels during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Northwestern Kellogg building on May 14, 2025. A large backdrop shows a rendering of the future structure, and a purple banner with the Northwestern Kellogg logo spans the front of the stage.

Acknowledgement of land and people

Northwestern campus inhabits the original homelands of the Council of Three Fires — the Ojibwe, Potawatomi and Odawa — as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original peoples of the Chicagoland area and the many Indigenous people who call it home — past, present, future.