After three decades of quiet anticipation, Stanford University’s iconic Old Chem building has been revitalized and reborn as the Sapp Center For Science Teaching And Learning. Set to reopen this fall, the historic landmark will bear the name of Shari and Rick Sapp, ’78, and their family, in honor of their transformative gift. This reopening marks a pivotal moment for science education at Stanford, creating a nexus for innovation and interdisciplinary learning within a beautifully restored space.
Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne emphasizes the significance of this transformation, stating, “The Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning beautifully bridges Stanford’s esteemed history with its dynamic future. This cherished building will once again be a vibrant hub where students and faculty connect, fostering an exceptional scientific foundation through hands-on experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration – a hallmark of the Stanford educational experience.”
Richard Saller, Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the center’s role in supporting the school’s core mission. “The Sapp Center is instrumental in advancing the School of Humanities and Sciences’ commitment to outstanding education and inspiring the groundbreaking discoveries of tomorrow.” He also acknowledged President Emeritus John Hennessy’s vision in reimagining Old Chem as a central space for undergraduate learning. Dean Saller further envisions the Sapp Center as a cornerstone of the future Biology Chemistry Quad, serving as a physical and intellectual link across various disciplines within the university.
Thanks to the Sapp family’s generosity, along with contributions from other alumni and friends, the century-old Old Chem has been meticulously restored and modernized. With its doors opening in early 2017, the Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning is poised to welcome over 4,000 students daily. The center will host courses spanning not only chemistry and biology but also art, history, statistics, and economics, embodying its core mission of fostering interdisciplinary science education at Stanford.
Rick Sapp articulates the family’s vision for the center, emphasizing the critical role of teaching excellence at Stanford. “Transforming how future scientists, innovators, and leaders learn is paramount to addressing today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges. The Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning is designed to champion interdisciplinary education, merging diverse fields of knowledge to ignite discovery and serve as a foundation for 21st-century learning.” He further adds, “After three decades of dormancy, Shari and I are delighted to restore this historically significant building to the heart of campus life, supporting its vital role as a hub for educational innovation.”
The Legacy of Giving and Leadership
Rick Sapp’s deep connection to Stanford spans four decades, beginning with his electrical engineering degree in 1978. Following an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981, he forged a distinguished career at Goldman Sachs. His leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, particularly in London, involved building and heading mergers and acquisitions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Since retiring in 2003, he has been active as a private investor in Southern California.
Shari Sapp, with a business degree from the University of Colorado (1984), also contributed to the financial sector in England during the family’s 17-year residence. Currently, she dedicates her time to leadership volunteer work in arts, education, and sports programs for children with special needs in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
The Sapp family’s commitment to Stanford undergraduate education is longstanding, demonstrated through scholarships and the University Fellows program. Their belief in the power of interdisciplinary approaches to education and research stems from their conviction that it fosters new perspectives and innovative problem-solving. This conviction led them to Stanford Bio-X, an interdisciplinary research institute focused on biology and medicine, which deeply resonated with their vision. In 2010, their engagement with Bio-X culminated in the Sapp Family Provostial Professorship, supporting faculty who bridge multiple departments and institutes, with Carla Shatz as its inaugural holder.
Rick Sapp’s involvement extends beyond philanthropy to university service, including his tenure on the Board of Trustees. He remains active on the Stanford Bio-X Advisory Council and recently participated in the President’s Neuro/ChEM-H Task Force. His volunteerism also encompasses the School of Engineering and LEAD: Lifelong Engagement and Advocacy for Development. Previously, he led The Stanford Trust in the UK and contributed to major gift development during the Campaign for Undergraduate Education. He has also been actively involved in alumni committees and regional fundraising efforts.
The Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning project has also benefited from the generosity of other donors. The Oberndorf Family Auditorium, named in recognition of Susan and William Oberndorf’s contribution, is a key feature. Additional support has been provided by Edward S. and Margaret W. Arnold, Mary and Greg Chabolla, the Frances K. and Charles D. Field Foundation, Chelsea and Joshua Freeman, Richard E. Hoffman, the Marks family, Patricia Chang and Warren Packard, Ned and Emily Sherwood Family Foundation, Fenton C. Tom family, Glenn and Kay White, and several anonymous donors, showcasing a broad community commitment to this vital project.
A Storied Past, An Innovative Future for Science Education
Old Chem’s history is deeply woven into the fabric of Stanford. This 60,000-square-foot sandstone and brick structure served as the central hub for the Department of Chemistry for over 80 years. Its origins trace back to 1897 when Jane Stanford designated it as one of five “noble” buildings essential to realizing her family’s vision for the university.
Construction commenced in 1900, culminating in completion in 1902, with classes starting in January 1903. For decades, Old Chem’s high-ceilinged classrooms and laboratories were the training grounds for aspiring chemists, chemical engineers, biochemists, biologists, and pre-med students. However, evolving academic needs and damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake led to its closure. For nearly 30 years, this Stanford landmark remained physically separated from campus life.
The original design of Old Chem was considered cutting-edge for its time. Now, over a century later, its meticulous restoration not only preserves its historic character but also integrates modern, adaptable classrooms for chemistry and biology, fostering hands-on learning and discovery.
This innovative approach mirrors the Sapp family’s educational philosophy, emphasizing collaborative learning and the open exchange of ideas across disciplines. Shari Sapp notes, “Biology and chemistry are intrinsically linked in life sciences research and medicine. We are thrilled to support undergraduates in building robust foundations in these sciences and in cultivating creative, interdisciplinary thinking as they embark on the process of discovery.”
The Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning directly addresses Stanford’s long-term need for contemporary teaching spaces in the natural sciences. Chemistry Department Chair Keith Hodgson remarks, “This renovation allows us to modernize aging laboratories and update key aspects of our curriculum.”
Jennifer Schwartz Poehlmann, a senior chemistry lecturer, underscores the symbolic importance of uniting core sciences within one building. “Today, all sciences are interconnected,” she explains. “The boundaries between chemistry and biology are increasingly blurred. The new labs will demonstrate to students the profound interconnectedness of these subjects.”
Biology Department Chair Tim Stearns further emphasizes the synergistic relationship between teaching and research, stating, “The notion that research and teaching are separate is artificial. Effective teaching enhances scientific research.”
Upon entering the Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning, visitors will find “swing” labs on the second floor adaptable for both chemistry and biology. The ground floor features the 300-seat Oberndorf Family Auditorium, along with lecture halls, classrooms, and an open gallery. The third floor houses organic chemistry labs and a science library, consolidating digital resources and collections from biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and chemical engineering. The fourth floor has been transformed into a study space offering views of the Oval. A spacious terrace, designed for scientific demonstrations and social gatherings, opens onto the future Biology Chemistry Quad.
As Stanford marks its 125th anniversary, the Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning is set to become a central hub for students from across campus once again. Strategically positioned near the arts district, Engineering Quad, and School of Medicine, and anchoring the future Biology Chemistry Quad, the Sapp Center will undoubtedly elevate Stanford’s global leadership in pioneering, interdisciplinary education, ushering in a new era of scientific discovery and learning.
