"It doesn’t happen frequently that someone makes such a sizable donation anonymously, but it does happen," said Ann Goodwin, assistant vice president for university relations. "It’s a tremendous help."

Goodwin said the university was notified of the donation about three or four weeks ago and the donor recommended that the facility be named after the longtime mathematics professor and one- time acting president.

"This professor was such a pillar of the community," said Goodwin. "He was a leader in so many areas."

Rosenbaum was a professor at Wesleyan from 1953 until his retirement in 1985. He was named a university professor in 1977 and retains the title of university professor emeritus.

He served as Wesleyan’s acting president in 1970 as well as the chancellor from 1970-1973.

Active outside of the university, Rosenbaum was also a member of several boards and associations including an corporator of Middlesex Memorial Hospital from 1972-1985. He has also served on several committees of the State of Connecticut Commissions on Education and Higher Education.

Rosenbaum was recently honored by the city when Mayor Domenique Thornton declared Nov. 10, 2004 as Robert Rosenbaum Day in the city.

Rosenbaum is a long-time squash enthusiast and has won the national squash title in his age bracket four times. Even today, at age 88, he continues to play regularly.

The completion of the addition is expected to come in January. There will also be a special dedication in March, which Rosenbaum will attend.