Frank M. Sands (MBA '94) and aunt Jeanne Shaw pose by a portrait of Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA '63) and Marjorie R. Sands at The Forum Hotel. (Credit: Ali Johnson)

In Pictures: Dedications In and Around The Forum Hotel

16 May 2023

By David Buie-Moltz

Over the past few weeks, a series of inspiring dedications have unveiled the many facets of The Forum Hotel, the newly minted gem on the University of Virginia Darden School of Business Grounds. These ceremonies, captured in evocative photographs, have celebrated many indoor and outdoor spaces around The Forum property, each bearing the imprint of the generous benefactors who have contributed to shaping this landmark.

The journey began with an extraordinary $20 million gift from Frank Sands Sr. (MBA ’63) and his wife, Marjorie Sands, in 2019. Their remarkable gesture inspired more than 100 other donors, bringing to life The Forum Hotel, which is formally named the Frank M. Sands Sr. and Marjorie R. Sands Hotel at Darden and Conference Center for Lifelong Learning. From hotel suites, a boardroom, a bridge, a classroom, and a wine cellar, to a porch, a library, a hospitality suite, a bar and terrace, and a promenade, each dedicated space tells a unique story of philanthropy and vision.

Join us on this visual tour as we commemorate the establishment of an enduring legacy.

John R. Strangfeld (MBA '77) and wife Meredith pose in front of the suite he donated at The Forum Hotel. (Photo by Ali Johnson)

Frank M. Sands (MBA '94) and aunt Jeanne Shaw pose by a portrait of Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA '63) and Marjorie R. Sands at The Forum Hotel. (Credit: Ali Johnson)

Dean Scott C. Beardsley and Robert J. Hugin (MBA '85) stand in front of the Oak Boardroom, officially known as the Hugin Family Executive Boardroom, at The Forum Hotel. (Photo by Andrew Shurtleff)

Dean Scott C. Beardsley, Celia H. Voorhees and Steven C. Voorhees (MBA '80) participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Voorhees Connection Bridge in the arboretum and botanical gardens behind The Forum Hotel. (Photo by Andrew Shurtleff)

Steven C. Voorhees (MBA '80) receives applause following the dedication of the Socrates Classroom, a space he generously gifted at The Forum Hotel. Voorhees and his wife, Celia, also gifted a suite at the hotel. (Photo by Andrew Shurtleff)

Martina Hund-Mejean (MBA '88) addresses the audience during the dedication of Casa '88, the wine cellar at The Forum Hotel, which she and her husband, Bruno J. Mejean, generously gifted. They also gifted a suite at the hotel. (Photo by Jacob Chang-Rascle)

Members of the Class of 1993 gather at a reception to commemorate the dedication of Sloney's Porch, located outside The Good Sport pub at The Forum Hotel. The space is a heartfelt gift from the class in memory of Michael B. Slone (MBA '93). (Photo by Andrew Shurtleff)

Dean Emeritus Robert F. Bruner and his wife, Bobbie, attend the dedication of the Bruner Case Study, a tribute in his honor made possible by the generosity of Darden alumni, colleagues and friends, at The Forum Hotel. (Photo by Andrew Shurtleff)

J. Byrne Murphy (MBA '86) addresses the audience alongside Catherine J. Friedman (MBA '86) and J. Andrew Bugas (MBA '86) during the dedication of The Bruner Collection. This curated assortment of books and cases from Dean Emeritus Robert F. Bruner is now housed in The Bruner Case Study at The Forum Hotel. Murphy, Friedman and Bugas generously gifted the collection. (Photo by Andrew Shurtleff)

Dean Scott C. Beardsley with Mark J. Styslinger and mother Catherine Styslinger by a plaque honoring her husband, Lee Joseph Styslinger Jr., after whom the C-Suite Terrace in The Forum Hotel is dedicated. The suite is a gift from the Altec/Styslinger Foundation. (Photo by Andrew Shurtleff)

Mark J. Styslinger raises a toast during the dedication of The Aspen Bar & Terrace at The Forum Hotel, both graciously gifted by the Altec/Styslinger Foundation. (Photo by Andrew Shurtleff)

From left: Dean Scott C. Beardsley, Mac Styslinger (MBA '21), Claudia Styslinger, Stella Styslinger, Catherine Styslinger, Lydia Styslinger, Jennifer Styslinger and Mark J. Styslinger at the dedication of the Camellia Promenade at The Forum Hotel. The space is a gift of the Altec/Styslinger Foundation. (Photo by Andrew Shurtleff)

The Forum Hotel would not be possible without the support of generous donors. Be a part of this important moment in Darden history by supporting the Powered by Purpose campaign and make your mark on this signature property.

Naming opportunities include featured spaces, academic spaces, outdoor spaces, event and meeting spaces, arrival points, hospitality, and guest rooms and suites. For more information, please contact Interim Vice President for Advancement Samantha Hartog at HartogS@darden.virginia.edu or +1-434-98202151.

About the University of Virginia Darden School of Business

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business prepares responsible global leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences. Darden’s graduate degree programs (MBA, MSBA and Ph.D.) and Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programs offered by the Darden School Foundation set the stage for a lifetime of career advancement and impact. Darden’s top-ranked faculty, renowned for teaching excellence, inspires and shapes modern business leadership worldwide through research, thought leadership and business publishing. Darden has Grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C., area and a global community that includes 18,000 alumni in 90 countries. Darden was established in 1955 at the University of Virginia, a top public university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Press Contact

Molly Mitchell
Senior Associate Director, Editorial and Media Relations
Darden School of Business
University of Virginia
MitchellM@darden.virginia.edu