“A key element of the University’s strategic plan, data science is transforming knowledge and discovery worldwide,” says Joel Seligman, University President, CEO, and G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor. “We are also committed to athletics as a vital piece of the student experience. The Biggars’ exemplary generosity helps fulfill both of these goals.”

In recognition of their gift, the entryway to Genesee Hall and the Boehning Varsity House will be named the Big “R” Atrium. The Varsity House contains new locker, sports medicine, and equipment rooms, and the atrium serves as a central gathering space as part of this latest addition to the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex. The projects reflect an ongoing effort to improve the University’s athletic facilities, which began with an extensive renovation of the Robert B. Goergen Athletic Center in 2000.

As former varsity soccer players, Biggar and Asaro-Biggar are firm believers in the value of college athletics. “Liz and I were fortunate to experience the remarkable sense of community that exists at Rochester, both on and off the field,” says Biggar. “We are thrilled to help provide students with a new, modern space and hope it fosters an even greater sense of pride on campus.”

The Biggars’ support also bolsters the University’s robust efforts in data science. Wegmans Hall, an interdisciplinary hub for data science, opened its doors this past spring and houses the , a University-wide center for data science research.

The Biggars’ gift helps the University recruit and retain the best talent in the rapidly growing and competitive field by funding fellowships for junior faculty and professorships for senior faculty. In August, Amanda Larracuente, assistant professor of biology, was appointed the Stephen Biggar ’92 and Elizabeth Asaro ’92 Fellow in Data Science, and Ehsan Hoque, assistant professor of computer science, was named the Asaro Biggar Family Fellow in Data Science. The fellowships carry a term of three years and allow the University to honor and encourage outstanding faculty early in their careers.

“Academic programs like these require the best people behind them,” says Biggar. “We saw this as an opportunity to help build the data science program at an important, formative stage. With top faculty, Rochester can be at the forefront of the field.”

A partner at an investment firm in New York City, Biggar is a University trustee. Asaro-Biggar is a professional musician and will release her debut album this fall. Both are members of the Athletic Campaign Committee and the Friends of Rochester Athletics, and are active volunteers for the University. They reside in New York City with their children.

A dedication ceremony for the Big “R” Atrium, Boehning Varsity House, and Genesee Hall will occur on October 12 during Meliora Weekend.

The gift reflects the late Rajesh Wadhawan’s personal interest in empowering societies through fair access to credit. It will provide support for a full-time faculty member at the Simon Business School to conduct research and develop curricula that furthers the understanding of economic problems in developing countries.

“The Wadhawan family is committed to giving back to society in meaningful ways through strategic research and analytics,” says Simon Business School Dean Andrew Ainslie. “This is a natural partnership that will allow us to increase our focus on development economics and provide life-changing opportunity for underprivileged populations worldwide. We are deeply grateful to the entire Wadhawan family, and WGC, for their generosity and foresight.”

Last week, Rajesh’s widow Aruna Wadhawan, their son and WGC Chairman Kapil Wadhawan, and Kapil’s wife and children traveled from India to attend a plaque dedication ceremony in Rochester. Speaking on behalf of the family, Kapil said, “The Rajesh Wadhawan Professorship is a tribute to our founder’s legacy of doing business with meaningful purpose. Development economics, particularly providing the disadvantaged with the credit needed to purchase their own homes, is something that was very close to his heart.”

Founded in 1973, WGC has more than 10 million customers and an asset base of $18.6 billion. The Rajesh Wadhawan Professorship will increase WGC’s global reach as they continue to deliver transformative socioeconomic change in a profitable business model.