The University of Victoria has re-christened their Administrative Services Building, naming it for Michael Williams.
Williams -- a major donor, philanthropist and heritage property developer who died 16 years ago -- left the main portion of his estate to UVic. Valued at $17-million at the time, it included an art collection and restored heritage buildings such as the Swan's Hotel and 9 other properties.
Carolyn Butler-Palmer, the Williams Legacy Chair, says the Michael Williams Building is home to UVic's executive team among other things:
"It's where the office of the university president is housed, as well as where many of the vice presidents are housed up on the university campus. And some of the art work from the Michael Williams collection has been put on display in that building."
Hjalmer Wenstob, a Nuu-chah-nulth artist and Master of Fine Arts student says Williams amassed a very impressive collection of First Nations art:
"There's quite a few of his pieces in there including a beautiful Robert Davidson carving of a shark mask. But the collection is extremely extensive. It has 3 dimensional works, carvings, wood carvings, as well as silk screens and jewelry. It's an extremely extensive collection."
The Michael Williams Building is home to UVic's executive team and other administrative offices. It was completed in October 2008, and is registered with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating Standards program.
Williams legacy remains the single largest individual donation in the university's history and continues to provide a revenue stream to support the university's academic mission.