In recognition of the support of the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation of Atlanta, Emory University has named Phase I of the new Candler School of Theology building in memory of the late Rita Anne Rollins. A special service of naming was held in conjunction with Spring Convocation on January 16, with Emory University President James W. Wagner and President Emeritus James T. Laney speaking. Members of the Rollins family and past Candler deans James L. Waits and Russell E. Richey joined Dean Jan Love as special guests.

Completed in 2008, the 65,000-square-foot Rita Anne Rollins Building houses Candler School of Theology classrooms, administrative and faculty offices, community gathering spaces, and Emory’s Center for Ethics. The building supports SMART technology and reflects Emory’s architectural style and its commitment to sustainability, featuring Italianate design with marble and stucco exteriors and a clay tile roof, as well as LEED silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Rita Anne Rollins was the first grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. O. Wayne Rollins, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Randall Rollins. She died at the age of 17. In addition to the Rita Anne Rollins Building, a special events space is named for her at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health.

The Rollins Foundation’s recent $15 million gift to Candler makes possible the construction of Phase II of the school’s new building, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2014. When finished, Phase II will connect to the Rita Anne Rollins Building via a glass atrium.