Marymount University will soon transform the historic Lodge into the Malek Family Welcome Center, thanks to a generous gift from philanthropist Marlene Malek, a Class of 1979 Nursing alumna and Vice Chair of the University’s Board of Trustees. The Welcome Center will serve as a vital hub for prospective students, alumni campus visits and Board meetings, offering a warm and historically rich introduction to the Marymount community.
“Having received so much from Marymount, I am honored to support my alma mater,” Malek said. “I am proud to give back to the University that has greatly enriched our lives and give the next generation of Saints a chance for success with the new Welcome Center inside the historic Lodge.”
The transformation plans were first announced in 2021, and with this recent donation the project will come to fruition. The center will include a welcoming reception desk for the Office of Admissions to greet visitors, a modern presentation theater for campus showcases and elegant meeting spaces that maintain the Lodge’s historic charm. The remodel will retain the current stone facade, while the inside spaces will be contemporary and open.
“Marlene Malek’s latest philanthropic contribution will turn a historic site into an essential, modern part of the Marymount campus that ensures lasting benefits for generations to come,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “My sincerest hope is that the new Welcome Center will be a place of warmth and openness for everyone within our Marymount community.”
Originally built as a stone guest house used as an annex to the mansion owned by White House physician Admiral Presley Rixey, the Lodge is one of the oldest buildings on Marymount’s campus. It housed an elementary school in Marymount’s early years and, more recently, has been occupied by various campus offices.
“Revitalizing the Lodge will significantly improve the visit experience for prospective students and families, reinforcing Marymount’s appeal as a leading institution of higher education,” added Evan Lipp, Vice President of Enrollment Management.
Malek, the future Welcome Center’s namesake, has long been a Marymount cornerstone as generous contributions from her family have spanned decades. In 2011, the nursing school was renamed the Malek School of Nursing Professions in recognition of her enduring dedication and service to the institution, along with her late husband, Fred.
Malek has been continuously recognized for her remarkable contributions to the University and the broader community. At the inaugural Halo Awards in 2021, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award for the College of Health and Education and was previously honored with the University’s Gold Medal for Community Leadership. In June 2023, she was awarded the Lincoln Medal for her philanthropy, breast cancer awareness advocacy and support of the arts.
Most recently, in May 2024, Malek delivered the keynote address at the University’s 73rd commencement ceremonies, inspiring graduates from the College of Health and Education.
“We sincerely appreciate Marlene Malek’s continued support and generosity,” said Dennis Slon, Vice President for University Advancement. “The new Welcome Center will be pivotal in attracting students who value the exceptional nature of a Marymount education.”
The remodel is anticipated to be completed during the 2027-28 academic year.
