Stratton Hall: Q & A with Mike Abrams '77

One might think that summer equals a quiet time on the WPI campus, but for Stratton Hall, that is not the case. The well-used learning space is currently experiencing a complete overhaul with a Fall 2024 project completion date.

The Facilities Department shares, “In addition to upgrading Stratton Hall’s lighting, HVAC, windows, roof, and insulation to make the building more energy efficient overall, the project will also result in new classrooms and restrooms throughout the building. Additionally, to bring both Stratton Hall and the neighboring Laurie A. Leshin Global Project Center into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, an enclosed connection will be built between the two buildings, with an elevator and stairwell that can be accessed from either building.”

Brick and mortar projects of this scale rely on generous donor support and once again, alumnus Mike Abrams ’77 has stepped up in support of his beloved alma mater. See below for a recent Q & A with Abrams on the university and his most recent gift.

Q. Why do you stay connected to WPI?
A. WPI was a formative experience for me. The people I met there and the skills I gained continue to be part of my life. Through my involvement with the Alumni Association over the last 10 years, I have come to know another generation of faculty, staff, and students. I find them just as impressive and inspiring as when I was a student at WPI.

Q. What motivates you to give back to WPI?
A. I love WPI. I think about it all the time. I want to see WPI get better and gain the recognition it deserves.

Q. What interests you or excites you most about Stratton Hall?
A. I was a math major, so I spent the largest part of my classroom and project experience inside the walls of Stratton Hall. I found the building to be a bit like an old pair of shoes: worn at the edges, but comfortable.

Q. What motivated you to support the Stratton Hall renovation project in particular?
A. An innovation in 1974 by the then Math Department head (JJ Malone) was to dedicate and renovate one of the classrooms on the main floor (second floor) into a shared lounge space. It was used by faculty, undergrads, graduate students, and commuter students. We had department beer fests there, Pi Mu Epsilon meetings, study sessions, bull sessions, every possible use. It was a great mixing bowl of a space. I spent hours in that lounge, drinking coffee, studying, solving the problems of WPI and the world on a Friday afternoon. I was very happy to hear about the renovation and updating of Stratton Hall to make it accessible. Those stairs! I had to be involved and provide financial support for the renovation. The opportunity to see a new student lounge space in Stratton Hall is very meaningful to me.

Q. What do you hope this gift will achieve for future generations at WPI?
A. I hope this lounge and study space in Stratton Hall will result in a similar affection for Stratton Hall that I have. There is never enough study space, project meeting space, relaxing space near classes. A new student lounge in Stratton Hall will help meet that need.

Q. What excites you most about WPI now and in the future?
A. WPI is always changing to meet the times but working hard to stay true to the goals and strengths of The Plan. I am excited to see new leadership at WPI that understands and is building on that legacy.

Q. What would you say to other alumni and friends to encourage them to stay connected—and to give back to WPI?
A. Remember the good times, and all that WPI did for you. Get connected again and find out that cool and wonderful things are still happening at WPI.