New SIEPR building dedicated amid hopes to 'encourage better economic policy around the world.'

By Christine Blackman

The John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Building, new home to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), was dedicated Thursday.

"This is the greatest day in the history of SIEPR," said John Shoven, the Wallace R. Hawley Director of SIEPR and the Charles R. Schwab Professor of Economics.

He told the crowd at the dedication that "SIEPR will be able to take a great leap forward to influence more students, to attract more senior fellows, visiting professors and outstanding postdocs, and to encourage better economic policy around the world."

The event, which included docent-led tours of the building, was an opportunity to thank donors and staff who gave of their time and resources to act on their vision for SIEPR. The crowd celebrated the transformation of that vision into reality.

"This building will certainly enable SIEPR to live up to its enormous potential, expand its reach, and I think, get into some of the areas where we still have lots of work to do," said Stanford President John Hennessy.

The smell of new carpet and a feeling of enthusiasm filled the air. It was an evening of anticipation for what the institute will accomplish in its new home.

"We need to help the rest of the world get the kind of economic prosperity that we've been blessed with in this country and I think we need this building to help us achieve that goal," Hennessy said.

Hennessey's presentation was followed by remarks from the lead donors for the building, alumnus John Gunn, a university trustee and SIEPR Advisory Board chair, and his wife, Cynthia.

The building stands at the corner of Galvez Street and Memorial Way, next to SIEPR's former base, the Landau Economics Building. It was designed by Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects in association with Kornberg Associates. Occupants of the new 32,000-square-foot building are scheduled to move in March 19.

Christine Blackman is an intern with the Stanford News Service.

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