Mercer Times

Pete and Devon Briger have contributed significantly to Princeton University's Venture Forward campaign, leading to the naming of Briger Hall, an environmental studies building. This contribution will support research on climate change, biodiversity, water resources, and infectious diseases.

President Christopher L. Eisgruber expressed gratitude, stating, "This marvelous gift makes possible a state-of-the-art building that will facilitate groundbreaking teaching and research in the environmental sciences."

Situated on the new site for environmental studies and the School of Engineering and Applied Science (ES & SEAS), Briger Hall is expected to foster collaboration. Devon and Pete Briger said, "Our hope is that this gift will allow for a hub and engine for the type of interdisciplinary, collaborative and actionable scholarship that the increasingly complex challenges of today’s world demand."

The building will house the High Meadows Environmental Institute, the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and the Department of Geosciences. The ES & SEAS buildings are designed to meet Princeton's sustainability standards. Gabriel Vecchi, director of the High Meadows Environmental Institute, said, "The innovative design and features of Briger Hall will accelerate our ability...to tackle some of humanity’s most pressing challenges."

Briger Hall will also host the Princeton Bird Collection, with Mary “Cassie” Stoddard remarking on its potential, stating, "The new research facilities in Briger Hall will enable a transformative chapter in our multidisciplinary approach to exploring key questions."

Jonathan Levine, chair of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Thomas Duffy, chair of the Department of Geosciences, highlighted the potential for groundbreaking work due to the new facilities.

Jessica Metcalf praised the interdisciplinary potential, stating, "I am greatly inspired by the remarkable commitment to interdisciplinary synergy that this new building represents."

The Brigers are noted philanthropists and have supported various initiatives at Princeton. Pete Briger's academic background includes degrees from Princeton University and Wharton School of Business. Devon Briger is the chief operating officer for The Acceleration Project and holds degrees from the University of Washington and Columbia University.

Bryan Grenfell described the impact as "an extraordinary investment in the future of humanity," emphasizing the importance of the research at Briger Hall.