The St. Edward’s University Advancement Office is working to raise just under $2.1 million in approximately 80 days in order to complete the second installment (Phase II) of the Natural Sciences Center.

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation will award the university a $1 million grant for the construction of the John Brooks William Natural Sciences and Technology Center South Building, provided that they raise $2.1 million by Jan. 12, said Joe DeMedeiros, associate vice president for development.

The university is taking donations in order to raise the money. In addition, the university is allowing people to purchase nameplates that will go on the backs of the chairs, which can be used as a naming opportunity for the donor or in memoriam of a loved one, in the new auditorium that will be part of the Phase II construction, DeMedeiros said. The chairs cost $5,000.

Chair of the Natural Sciences Advisory Board and St. Edward’s alumnus Bob Wilems, and his wife, Nela Wilems, made a donation last week. With the Wilems’ donation and the confirmation of 6 chairs, the university has “right about $2 million to go,” DeMedeiros said. “The exact number is $2 million and a little bit of change—probably $2,053,