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GREENSBORO — Renovations are under way on the campus of Guilford College and a newly announced donation has helped fund the final pieces of Founders Hall.

Upgrades to the facility include a new atrium, offices for faculty and students along with an expanded student art gallery.

"This is actually the hub of the campus, it's the hub of the campus life, it's where we want the students to come interact with each other and have a sense of community," said Guilford College's vice president for advancement Mike Poston.

School leaders said Ed and Vivien Bauman of Greensboro made a gift of $900,000 in real estate for the project. Ed Bauman is the former chair and CEO of Blue Bell, Inc. of Greensboro. Bauman was on the college's board of trustees for 19 years and is currently a member of the Advancing Excellence Campaign Steering Committee for the college.

Guilford College President, Kent Chabotar released a statement about the couple's gift:

They know we are dedicated to offering an exceptional student experience, and this gift strengthens our ability to do that. The entire Guilford community is grateful for their generosity.

In recent years, college leaders said the trend of giving has increased.

“We're seeing a real re-invigoration of philanthropy," said Poston.

Poston said a $60 million campaign has been under way and the school has raised more than $50 million. That money supports not only campus projects but also student scholarships.

"If we don't have those scholarships, we cannot make the packages affordable for our students, especially with the state of North Carolina withdrawing their state funding that they have this past year for all North Carolina students," said Poston.

Poston said in recent years the numbers for student enrollment have plateaued but college leaders are optimistic about the benefits private funding will have on the future.

Renovations on Founders Hall are expected to be completed in August.