The Lasting Legacy of Graham Gund

The celebrated architect, who died June 6, reshaped Kenyon's physical campus through his remarkable designs, support for the arts and generosity.

Kenyon Remembers Graham Gund ’63 H’81

Graham Gund ’63 H’81, a celebrated architect whose vision and generosity fueled the transformation of Kenyon’s campus for the 21st century, died on June 6.

“It is impossible to capture in words the mark Graham made on Kenyon. It is, however, visible everywhere on campus — from the ambition of our campus master plan, to the both brilliant and subtle details of the buildings he lovingly designed and restored, to the masterful works of art he created homes and sites for, to the breathtaking view corridors he spotted and preserved.”

Julie Kornfeld
President, Kenyon College

“Graham’s passion for contemporary art — and for the artists who make it — was palpable. With his wife, Ann, they modeled what it means to support creativity with care and conviction. Graham’s work with The Gund’s Board was a rare combination of vision, patience and exacting care. He will be profoundly missed — not only for what he gave, but for the manner in which he gave it: with grace, humility and a steadfast belief in what art can make possible.”

Daisy Desrosiers
Director and chief curator of The Gund

Read More Tributes to Graham Gund

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If the 21st century Kenyon campus can be seen as a canvas, then Graham Gund is the artist.

Landmark Spaces

Renowned architect Graham Gund created spaces for the Kenyon community that honor and enhance the College’s vision for a residential liberal arts college.

From academics to athletics to residential life, Graham Gund’s art and architecture have transformed Kenyon’s campus while bridging past to future.
The Gund Gallery has sparked countless moments of inspiration, epiphany and connection for students, faculty and staff.
Ann and Graham Gund meet with a group of Gund Associates, student interns who immerse themselves in the operations of Kenyon’s teaching art museum.   
The West Quad replaced the conjoined Olin and Chalmers Libraries, created a new home for admissions in Lowell House and grouped faculty in the social sciences together in Oden Hall.
Purpose-built for collaboration, Oden Hall is a hub for the social sciences and for interdisciplinary teaching and learning.
The new Chalmers Library centralizes student resources including academic advising, student accessibility and support services, career development, the writing center and registrar.
A modern echo of Kenyon’s historic south campus residence halls, Thomas Hall opened to students in January and Winkler Hall will open in fall 2025.  
Originally constructed in 1839, Bexley Hall was restored with room for 40 residents in suite-style housing while preserving its Gothic exterior.
The English Quad, which includes Lentz House and the more recent additions of Keithley House and Waite House, was designed as a dedicated campus space to honor Kenyon’s literary tradition.
The revitalization of the village core included the bookstore in Farr Hall and the addition of new retail spaces and apartments.
Drawing inspiration from light-filled studios, student artists take their work from concept to exhibit in Horvitz Hall.
The Peirce Hall renovation added Thomas Hall, a new, light-filled modern counterpoint to the magnificent Great Hall. Joining the two dining halls is a glass-ceiling atrium.
Buildings in the Science Quad are connected via bridges to promote interdisciplinary research and community-building.
The Lowry Center is arguably the best small-college sports facility in the country. Its sheer magnificence comes from not just size but also glass walls and light, which pours in through 50 skylights in the four-acre roof.