Passionate donor leads private support for chemistry education transformation

Second floor of new chemistry labs building will be named for alumni Françoise deRochefort Thompson and Thomas “Tom” Allen Gregory 

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (07/31/2024)—The University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE) announced that it has received a lead gift from Françoise deRochefort Thompson and Thomas “Tom” Allen Gregory, which will help transform the undergraduate chemistry experience on the Twin Cities campus. 

In recognition of the alumni couple’s generous investment, the University will name the Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories' second level the “Thomas Allen Gregory and Françoise deRochefort Thompson General Chemistry Floor.” The donor requested the amount of the gift not be disclosed.

Private donations continue to play a key role in reimagining the 95-year-old Fraser Hall. The current labs in Smith and Kolthoff Halls, some originally built more than 100 years ago, don't meet the needs of modern chemistry instruction.  The $144.7 million renovation and building addition will create an environment that inspires collaborative learning, encourages problem solving, and fosters a sense of community necessary to solve today’s complex chemistry problems. The project is expected to take two years, with the renewed Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories fully opening for fall 2025 classes.

Once completed, the updated 117,000-square-foot facility will house 18 active learning labs, tutoring, and informal student collaboration spaces, and general-purpose classrooms serving 5,000 students each year. One-third of all University students take chemistry courses to complete their undergraduate degrees, with majors ranging from engineering and physical sciences to pre-medicine, life sciences, and many other degrees across the Twin Cities campus. 

“Françoise resonated with our vision. She understands the connection between physical space and learning,” said CSE Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs David Blank. “The updated building and its chemistry labs will formalize a shift in teaching and learning outcomes that have been underway for some time.”

Blank said that while faculty have done a great job teaching modern chemistry and our students graduate knowing the science, the current facilities have been limited. The new labs are designed to help students gain problem-solving skills that employers need. He said employers want graduates in the future who can effectively work on a team and bring together a diversity of talent to solve problems that are too challenging for any one person. 

“These inquiry-based teamwork skills are really needed in today’s workforce,” Blank added. “We’re so thankful for Françoise’s gift and support of this mission-critical effort to update our facilities.” 

For Thompson, who received her master’s degree in French studies at the University, the new labs represent discoveries and knowledge that remind her of her husband, Tom, who was always willing to share his expertise with others. 

Tom completed his bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University and returned to campus for post-doctoral work. His lifelong curiosity and dedication to exploring the world around him resulted in many discoveries, over 50 patents, two inventions, and numerous scientific articles throughout his extensive career. 

“But it wasn’t about that—it was about the passion he had in his work,” Thompson said. “This special building will provide the setting and facilities for discourse and exchanges to take place in furthering learning, which will lead to many unique and exciting discoveries. It is only fitting that Tom and I share our love of science, education, and each other so that others can benefit…it’s not just the building, but it’s what happens inside the building.” 

The State of Minnesota funded two-thirds of the Fraser Hall renovation with an investment through the University. Thompson’s gift and leadership commitment provides a strong foundation, contributing to the remaining one-third of the project’s expenses, which the College of Science and Engineering must cover. 

“Giving during your lifetime is key because you get to see the impact,” Thompson said.

She said she wants to use her time efficiently, carefully, and thoughtfully to do the most for humanity and selects worthwhile causes that benefit people, including education. With a lifetime career teaching languages in secondary school, Thompson believes “a good teacher is really so vital in our lives.” 

CSE leadership agrees that the future is in the hands of our students.

“Equipping our students with the skills required to make an impact is important for the future of our state, region, and nation,” said CSE Dean Andrew Alleyne. “This project puts us on the leading edge of instruction and will fuel generations of change-makers who support innovation and industry. I’m grateful for Françoise’s forward-looking generosity and proud to have her and Tom so closely associated with this building.”

• Support the Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories or contact Justin Miedema at jmiedema@umn.edu or 612-624-4318 for more information.
• Read more about the new building.
• Watch a live stream of the construction site.
• Get construction updates on the project website.