Sontags Donate $7.5 Million to New Dormitory

Pomona College received a $7.5 million donation from Rick Sontag HMC ‘64 and Susan Sontag PO ’64 for the construction of a new North Campus residence hall designed to meet the standards of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified “gold” building.The building will be constructed with 20 percent recycled materials, more than 30 percent regionally produced products and low-emitting materials. Additionally, 75 percent of construction waste will be diverted.In operation, the residence hall will include efficient lighting systems such as occupancy sensors, means of monitoring energy and water in real-time, efficient plumbing fixtures, “cool roof” and paving surfaces and several other features meant to lighten the building’s environmental impact.Rick’s uncle, Frederick Sontag, taught philosophy at Pomona for more than 50 years before retiring last spring. He died on June 14. The Sontags delivered the gift in recognition of the family’s long ties with the college.Sontag Hall is expected to cost $18.4 million and open in May 2011. It will be part of a two-building residential complex that will house 150 students.