As one of the five original red brick buildings on campus, McEwen Hall has long served as a cornerstone of learning at Queens.


The historic building reopened this year with newly renovated, flexible spaces designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and career readiness. While the renovation was made possible through strategic budget decisions, the university is actively using these revitalized spaces to honor philanthropy and spark additional investment in similar campus upgrades.


The first newly named space, the Libby Porter Blackburn ’40 Collaboration Space, was made possible by a generous giſt from Doug Phillips. Libby, a student from 1937 to 1940, would have spent time in McEwen herself. Her daughter, Liza, was married to Doug, and although she passed before this tribute came to life, the naming reflects a shared vision and lasting legacy.


Described as “multifaceted and multigenerational,” Libby was a passionate advocate for the arts, athletics, land conservation, and community service. She was an inspiration to many and truly embodied the Queens moto, “Not to be served, but to serve.”


22 QUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE IMPACT REPORT


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