A New Era For Martin: Recent $23 million renovation offers state-of-the art spaces

Lamoi Lewars ’27

The classrooms in Martin Science Building have always been special, even before the recent completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation project. 

“They’re places where curiosity meets practice, where we test our ideas, sometimes fail, but then try again to make it right,” said biology major Lamoi Lewars ’27 during a ribbon-cutting this fall. “I’ll never forget the long hours spent with classmates, carefully measuring solutions, watching reactions unfold, asking our professors all the what-if questions, and turning the theories we’ve learned into something real and alive.

“These classes are not just where we practice and learn science,” she added, “but patience, resilience, and teamwork.” 

Now, with upgraded facilities, the sky’s the limit.

“They will allow us to pursue more advanced research, tackle bigger questions, and prepare for challenges way beyond the Red Brick Wall,” Lewars said. “Personally, I know this building will continue to shape my journey, not only as a student but as someone who wishes to contribute to the world through science.” 

The $23 million renovation project, led by Jamerson-Lewis Construction, is one of the College’s largest investments and was funded almost entirely by donations and grants.

To date, the College has secured nearly $18.5 million toward the revised campaign goal of $23 million, with an additional $4.6 million expected through historic tax credits. That leaves just over $52,000 remaining in the campaign.

“This project has been fueled by remarkable generosity and vision,” President Sue Ott Rowlands said. “We are deeply grateful for the support of our alumni, friends, and partners. Martin Science Building stands as a symbol of what our community can achieve together.”

The project is reminiscent of Martin’s origins, when the community came together to fund its construction in the 1930s. 

At that time, then-President Theodore Jack secured a $75,000 grant and set out to raise a matching amount himself. Among the first donors was “Aunt Maria” Graves, a beloved fixture at the College since it opened in 1893, who gave $100 of her life savings to the campaign. 

More gifts followed from alumnae, faculty, staff, and other supporters, and construction began on the 38,000-square-foot building, named in honor of Fernando Wood Martin, the first scientist on the College’s faculty. 

Today, Martin Science serves as the hub for Randolph’s programs in biology, chemistry, physics, math and computer science, marine science, physics and engineering, and environmental studies and sciences.

While primarily remaining true to its original architecture, the building is now equipped with modern, state-of-the-art labs, new faculty offices, and a permanent home for the College’s Natural History and Archaeology Collections.

Updates also included improved climate control, lighting, and accessibility, making the building more comfortable and welcoming. 

“We have spaces designed for collaboration, with flexible labs and gathering areas where students can exchange ideas across disciplines,” said Ann Fabirkiewicz, Randolph’s Charles A. Dana Professor of Chemistry. “From introductory chemistry to advanced research projects, these spaces will foster the curiosity and persistence that define a Randolph education.” 

Phase One of the construction began in January 2024, and the new spaces were opened to students as they were completed. 

This fall, the College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the project’s completion. Attendees included donors; Randolph trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni; Virginia Del. Wendell Walker; Lynchburg Mayor Larry Taylor; Lynchburg City Manager Wynter Benda; Jamerson-Lewis CEO Kevin Hooper; and other community members and leaders. 

Lynchburg City Manager Wynter Benda, Randolph chemistry professor Ann Fabirkiewicz, Lynchburg Mayor Larry Taylor, Jamerson-Lewis CEO Kevin Hooper, President Sue Ott Rowlands, Severin McNulty ’27, and Lamoi Lewars ’27 at the Martin Science ribbon cutting.

“It’s been a labor of love for a lot of people,” Hooper said. “The completion of this project is proof of the perseverance and dedication that everybody involved had over these years. There was no way this project was going to get done without a solid team.” 

He also praised VMDO Architects for their “amazing vision.”

“They provided a state-of-the-art facility with high-tech science equipment,” Hooper said. “But it also has that artistic flair that provides an open, elegant, light space for students to enjoy learning in.” 

In her remarks at the ceremony, Ott Rowlands recognized the generosity of donors, the resilience and flexibility of students, faculty, and staff, and the talents of the design and construction teams that helped bring the project to fruition. 

“We are not just opening a building,” she said, standing on the front steps of Martin. “We are opening doors—to discovery, to innovation, and to the futures that will be shaped by the students who learn here.”