Called the Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry, the program provides a place where faculty and students can explore the connections among the arts, humanities, sciences and technology.

"The new center will continue existing community and university partnerships and provide numerous creative learning opportunities in a dynamic, challenging 21^stCentury," said Virginia Ball.

English Professor Joseph Trimmer, who was named to head the project, said participants will be expected to create a product such as an exhibit or a media production to illustrate their collaborative research and present the product to stimulate dialogue in a public forum.

"Our desire is that the center will make a dramatic contribution to the intellectual life of the university and the local community," said Trimmer.

The gift will support four faculty members, known as Virginia B. Ball Fellows, each year to teach an interdisciplinary seminar to 15 students. The center also provides a summer stipend to allow the fellows to prepare their seminars, recruit students, hire consultants and work with community leaders.

Associate Provost Beverley Pitts called the effort "a capstone experience" for upper division students.

"The goal is for faculty and students to become more involved in the community and to explore interdisciplinary scholarship," said Pitts.

The center for creative inquiry will be housed in the Kitselman Conference Center and guided by the director and a 10-member advisory board.

The announcement comes two days after the kick-off of a campaign by the university to raise $90 million in private funds during the next five years.