Farokhzad Math Center: Inspiring Modern Teaching and Learning
Multimillion-Dollar Gift Supports Math Education
As the parents of two Upper School students, trustee Shadi and Omid Farokhzad P ’23 ’25 know the importance of having a space that inspires a modern approach to teaching and learning. That’s why they have made a multimillion-dollar commitment to renovate the current library and transform it into a new home for math at Milton. With their hearts set on making an impact at Milton through their leadership gift, the Farokhzads say, “It is our hope that our gift will inspire others to join us in supporting this effort.” To that end, the couple have issued a challenge to the Milton community: Invest $100,000 or more in the math center renovation, and they will match, dollar-for-dollar, up to $4 million through December 31, 2024.
“We chose to make a gift in support of a state-of-the-art mathematics building to provide students with the best possible opportunity to develop their problem-solving skills and curiosity. We are so happy to help to create innovative environments where young people can grow and develop skills and confidence as they learn.”
—Shadi and Omid Farokhzad P ’23 ’25
Milton is committed to ensuring that a premier mathematics education is a cornerstone for lifelong problem-solving. With construction on the Farokhzad Math Center scheduled to begin soon after Cox Library moves to Wigglesworth Hall in the fall of 2023, this bold vision will soon become a reality.
To include your name and legacy in this transformational facility, while also multiplying your philanthropic impact at Milton through the Farokhzad Family Math Center Challenge, please contact Interim Chief Advancement Officer Carol Giusti-Cahalane at carol_giusti-cahalane@milton.edu or 617-898-2296.
A New Home for Math
Milton’s Math Department will expand the number of classrooms and meeting spaces in its planned move to the current Cox Library building. A new space that fosters collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning, the Farokhzad Math Center will anchor Milton’s south quad, positioning math among the school’s spaces dedicated to arts, technology, and science.
“Now more than ever, mathematical literacy is central not only to our students’ success, but also to the economic success of nations.”
—Todd Bland
The new center will move the Math Department from the cramped attic of Ware Hall to a modern, light-filled, renovated building currently occupied by Cox Library—which is moving to Wigglesworth Hall this year. The renovation will include an assembly space for 200 people, which will also serve as a forum for student exhibitions, faculty professional development, and informal gathering. Larger classrooms and flexible seating will make differentiated teaching possible, while breakout spaces will offer areas for study and collaboration.
The Farokhzad Math Center will nearly double the school’s number of math classrooms and underscore the importance of math education for Milton students.
First Floor—East Entrance and Patio
A new terrace provides more opportunities for group and independent study.
Academic West Pathway
With highly visible entrances facing both Ware Hall and the Kellner Performing Arts Center and Pritzker Science Center, math becomes the center of our south Quad.
Classroom
Students learn in different ways and at different paces; larger classrooms and flexible seating will make differentiated teaching possible. Small groups can review content with a teacher, while other students might work through a problem at a smartboard. Students are encouraged to “play with math,” then the learning can be formalized together.
Second Floor—Corridor, Breakout Room
Breakout spaces offer informal areas for study and collaboration.
Make your gift online today, or contact Chief Advancement Officer Lisa C. Winick at 617-898-2305 or lisa_winick@milton.edu to discuss opportunities to support a Milton initiative.
