Within the bustling Universities at Shady Grove campus stands a beacon of knowledge and opportunity: the Building III: Clifford and Camille Kendall Academic Center. Originally named after Camille Kendall, this building was later rededicated to honor both Clifford and Camille, recognizing their immense contributions to the university. The renaming ceremony, a poignant event held in 2018, unveiled new signage and a commemorative plaque. The event was attended by family, community members, and even former University System of Maryland Chancellor William E. “Brit” Kirwan and U.S. Congressman David Trone. Building III: Clifford and Camille Kendall Academic Center isn’t just bricks and mortar. It embodies the spirit of the Kendalls’ dedication to education.
The Building III: Clifford and Camille Kendall Academic Center is more than just a building; it’s a testament to the vision of Clifford Kendall. As a founder of USG and former chair of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, he championed accessible and affordable higher education. His legacy lives on through the Camille and Clifford Kendall Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship, covering full tuition and fees, supports students demonstrating financial need, potential for success, and a commitment to community service. The Kendalls’ impact extends further through their pioneering “2+2” scholarship program, enabling students to begin their studies at Montgomery College and seamlessly transition to USG for their bachelor’s degree. They also established a scholarship specifically for University of Maryland, College Park students studying at USG. Since 2007, hundreds of students have benefited from these scholarships.
This impressive 198,000-square-foot structure, formerly known as the Camille Kendall Academic Center, is a hub of academic activity. It houses enhanced classrooms, computer rooms, open class laboratories, and student services. You’ll also find administrative offices, faculty spaces, storage areas, and even a food service area and bookstore. The building also boasts a lounge, a central computer control center, and the telecommunications center for the entire campus. Building III: Clifford and Camille Kendall Academic Center was designed as a “speculative university building”. This means it has the flexibility to adapt to future technological advancements and evolving curriculum needs.
Building III: Clifford and Camille Kendall Academic Center is also a shining example of sustainable design. It achieved LEED Gold Certification thanks to features like its aeration and filtration system in the parking lot. This system cleans runoff water before it reaches the underground water table. The building also boasts a “green” roofing system to reduce heating and cooling costs and minimize stormwater runoff. Repurposed topsoil and trees, initially removed for construction, were later reintegrated into the landscaping. The building also incorporates cost-saving measures such as reduced energy consumption, high-efficiency equipment, and HVAC systems with demand ventilation. The design maximizes natural daylighting. The building’s southern exposure and rooftop photovoltaic panels capture solar energy. The building envelope even surpasses ASHRAE requirements for performance. The Building III: Clifford and Camille Kendall Academic Center is a symbol of progress. It represents the fusion of academic excellence, community support, and sustainable practices.