Powell Hall

Honoree

Steve and Robert Powell

Construction on a new exhibit and public education building for the Florida Museum of Natural
History began in 1995 as a result of a leadership gift of $3 million from two University of Florida alumni couples, Bob and Ann Powell and Steve and Carol Powell of Ft. Lauderdale. Powell brothers J. Stephen “Steve” and Robert “Bob” have been a part of the University of Florida since their days as
undergraduates. Steve graduated with a building construction degree in 1953, and Bob obtained a degree in civil engineering in 1955.

With educations in engineering and construction, the Powell brothers became partners in the family business, Powell Brothers Barge Terminal, Inc. In 2002, Steve and his wife, Carol, contributed to the School of Design, Construction and Planning to create the Powell Center for Construction and Environment.

Bob and his wife, Ann, whom he met at UF, provided for the construction of The Powell Family
Structures and Materials Testing Laboratory. Robert and Ann have also provided endowments in civil engineering.

In recognition of their achievements, Robert and Steve were named the Distinguished Alumnus in their respective colleges in 2004.

Facility History

The Powells’ gift that provided capital for this project was leveraged by matching funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Florida state government. Powell Hall opened to the public in 1998 and joined the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art and the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts as the third component of the university’s Cultural Plaza.