Volume 10, Issue 3 | March 2025 | |
In this month's issue:
- Three schools win climate action services from B&D
- University unveils visionary mixed-use development plan
- B&D experts quoted in leading publications
- B&D connects with student affairs leaders
- Understanding the "Big Why" (thought leadership essay)
- From CENTERS: Simplifying campus events without the hassle
| | INDUSTRY NEWS: SECOND NATURE AWARDS | | Left: Macalester College; top right: North Carolina State University; bottom right: University of Wisconsin-Madison. Photo credit: Macalester College, NC State, University of Wisconsin. | | Schools win climate advisory services from B&D | | |
B&D to provide pro bono support to Second Nature competition winners
Macalester College, North Carolina State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have been selected to receive $25,000 worth of pro bono climate action advisory services from B&D's Energy & Sustainability practice. As part of Second Nature’s Solutions Center Consulting Initiative, B&D will help these institutions advance their sustainability goals through climate action planning, emissions analysis, and strategic roadmap development. This initiative reflects B&D’s ongoing commitment to supporting higher education institutions in driving meaningful environmental progress.
>> Click "Read more" below for the full story.
| | PROJECT UPDATE: GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY | | Photo credit: Adobe Stock | | University unveils visionary mixed-use plan | | |
George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. has unveiled a visionary mixed-use development plan that reimagines 190 acres of the western area of its campus. Developed in partnership with B&D, the long-range strategy outlines opportunity zones for sports, housing, research, retail, and community space—advancing GMU’s goals for student success, innovation, and regional impact.
>> Click "Read more" for the full story.
| | B&D experts quoted in leading publications | | In Student Housing Business, B&D Associate Andrea Becker discusses how universities are rethinking traditional housing models to balance affordability with growing student demand for privacy. She explains that many institutions are now structuring housing to offer increasing levels of personal space as students progress through college—reflecting a shift in expectations where private bedrooms and in-suite bathrooms are seen as necessities, not luxuries. | |  | Recently in MassLive, B&D Higher Education Co-President Brad Noyes discussed the challenges of converting vacant college campuses into housing. While these properties offer promising infrastructure and location advantages, Noyes emphasized that outdated buildings, zoning restrictions, and community resistance often stand in the way. But with careful planning, public-private partnerships, and early community engagement, these campuses can be transformed into valuable residential assets. | | | L-R: Laura Kane and Jen Frank (B&D), Kim Martin (CENTERS); Cynthia Reyes (Methodist University), Laura Kane; photo credit: B&D. | | B&D connects with student affairs leaders | | |
Earlier this month, B&D had the opportunity to connect with the many dedicated student affairs professionals attending the NASPA Annual Conference in New Orleans. It was incredibly valuable to engage in conversations about how we can support institutions in enhancing student life, campus operations, and long-term growth. We’re especially grateful to everyone who visited the B&D and CENTERS booth and the VPSA Lounge—it was a highlight to hear your perspectives and share our work. Plus, we want to congratulate Cynthia Reyes of Methodist University, for winning our JBL speaker raffle!
To view more photos from the NASPA Annual Conference, click below.
| | Photo credit: Adobe Stock | | Understanding the "Big Why" | | How too many capital projects are planned without fully understanding their purpose | | |
Too many capital projects are beautifully designed but strategically misaligned—and it often comes down to one missing element: a clearly defined “BIG Why.” In this month’s thought leadership piece, our own Steve Lafferty explores how institutions can avoid that pitfall by uncovering the deeper purpose behind a project and aligning it with measurable performance goals from the outset. The result: more focused design, stronger stakeholder alignment, and investments that deliver lasting impact.
>> Click "Read more" for the full essay.
| |
Schools rethink event services amid budget pressures | | |
As colleges and universities grapple with the competing pressures of tightening budgets and rising expectations for high-quality campus events, many are turning to third-party management partners to optimize operations, maximize revenue, and enhance community engagement. A new article from CENTERS explores how schools are navigating the complexities of in-house versus outsourced event management, and highlights success stories from campuses like Cleveland State, Goucher College and Longwood University. With benefits from scalable staffing to industry-leading marketing and operational expertise, these partnerships are reshaping the future of campus conference services.
>> Click "Read more" for the full story.
| Established in 1998 by Brailsford & Dunlavey, CENTERS was the first company in the U.S. to provide campus center management services for campus life facilities including sports venues, recreation and wellness facilities, student centers, performing arts venues, conference facilities, and more. Visit or View for more info. | | FOLLOW BRAILSFORD & DUNLAVEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA | | | | |
