Plans for an estimated 50,000-square-foot addition to Gaylord Hall are underway.

Phase two of the building's construction can proceed thanks to a $7 million grant from two sister foundations established by Edith Gaylord.

The Ethics and Excellence Foundation is giving $2 million and the Inasmuch Foundation is contributing $5 million to the estimated $19 million development.

Lance Thomas, public information officer for the OU College of Journalism and Mass Communication, said Gaylord Hall is currently about 61,000 square feet.

The estimated 50,000 square foot addition will allow the journalism college to move all its students into one building rather than having some of its classes in Copeland Hall.

He said the addition will be built on the north side.

The addition will help accommodate the journalism college's recent spike in popularity.

Journalism Dean Joe Foote said there has been a 500 percent increase in students' interest level in journalism degrees over the past ten years.

"Demand for the field and expansion of our college both account for this increase, and although there is an expansion in journalism interest nationwide, it is not moving nearly as fast as OU," Foote said. He said, however, that the recent increase in students is not the primary reason for Gaylord's expansion, since the phases were planned before the bulk of growth.

Phase one of Gaylord Hall was completed August 2004 with plans for two more phases to be developed in the future.

Taryn Boatman, assistant program officer for Ethics and Excellence Foundation, said the Foundation contributed $500,000 to phase one and is giving $2 million for phase two.

She said the Inasmuch Foundation donated $1.5 million for phase one and is giving $5 million for phase two.

Foote said there are a couple of reasons more money is needed for phase two.

He said construction costs overall have gone up since phase one's completion and that the three phases originally planned for the development have been consolidated into two phases.

"We figured the prudent thing to do is to do as much as possible to not risk more cost and to have an immediate positive impact on students," Foote said. He said this meant adding more square footage to phase two in order to finish it without needing a third phase.

The addition looks to bring new opportunities to students in the journalism college. A broadcast-style theater, offices for graduate programs for doctorate and master's degrees, a new computer lab and a Public Relations Student Agency are among the planned additions.

Bob Ross, president and CEO of both sister foundations said, "I'm very involved in the process and believed that one critical thing is to add a broadcast-style theater. I think it's important for the school to hold events and speakers to help raise its prominence nationally."

He said the Public Relations Student Agency will be a great opportunity for students to learn in a real world environment were students will be working and running the agency themselves.

Thomas said he hopes building will begin spring 2007, depending on continuing efforts to seek funding.

The proposed expansion project is estimated to cost about $19 million, requiring $12 million more in funding after the donations from Ethics and Excellence and Inasmuch foundations.

"President Boren has worked out a fundraising strategy and wouldn't move the project along without a plan," Foote said. "He has been confident, involved and very helpful."

Foote credits the $7 million gift from the two foundations for getting the project off the ground.

"Without their help we couldn't have started this project," Foote said. "They are the key to development."

Ross said he thinks it's terrific that the foundations are involved and continuing the work of journalist Edith Gaylord.

"We are thrilled to continue her legacy with a gift to OU," Ross said.

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