Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees today approved a license agreement with the Starbucks Corporation and the naming of a learning space in DeGarmo Hall.

The license agreement with the Starbucks Corporation allows the University to build, own and operate a Starbucks store in the Student Fitness Center. Board members approved $2.6 million for the 10-year agreement, which begins July 1, 2016 and runs through June 30, 2026. Funding comes from Campus Dining reserves. Construction of the Starbucks store is expected to begin during the upcoming spring semester with a formal opening in summer 2016.

Board members also gave their approval to the naming of DeGarmo Hall room 52 as The Richard L. Benson Flexible Learning Space. The room is named for Benson, an Illinois State alumnus with a long career in K-12 and higher education. Benson has committed $100,000 to the College of Education and the University to support the renovation project to create the flexible learning space.