The foundation provided a grant of $130,000 toward renovation of the six-tiered room with the remaining roughly $195,000 coming from a $2 million Title III federal grant known as the Strengthening Institutions Program. The grant, which Guilford received in 2020, remains the largest non-endowment grant awarded to the College.

"We're thankful for the Cannon Foundation’s continuous support of the College,” says LaDaniel Gatling, Vice President for Advancement. “The longstanding partnership between Guilford and the Cannon Foundation continues to result in new investment that enhances the student-learning experience. Great things continue to happen when there is a shared vision."

The foundation has been a strong partner to the College, providing funds to help refurbish Mary Hobbs Hall, the Frank Family Science Center and Hege-Cox Hall in recent years.  

Plans for the six-tiered Leak Room include replacing the fixed seating and transforming the lecture hall into a space conducive to collaborative learning with height-adjustable seats that swivel from side to side and can turn backwards so students can work with their peers.  

The room will also be equipped with technology that will support both front and rear presentations and enable simultaneous displays from zoned panels. The space will feature high-quality sound and imaging, with teleconferencing and lecture-capture capabilities.

Remote learners will be able to engage with in-class learners. Light-board technology will engage learners in immersive presentations without presenters having to turn away to face a whiteboard, enabling a more personal connection with learners. The tiered seats will swivel and be height adjustable in six zones. Each tier will have its own display panel for supporting group activities. A wireless environment will further support mobility and flexibility. Additionally, laptop kiosks dispensing both PC and Mac laptops will be available on demand for those who do not have their own devices.