The University of Washington today announced the establishment of the John and Rosalind Jacobi Family Endowed Deanship in the College of Built Environments, strengthening the school’s vision of a more just and beautiful world for all.

The deanship from Seattle real estate icons and founders of Windermere Real Estate Co. provides the financial resources that expand the college’s ability to solve complex problems at the nexus of the constructed and natural worlds that have profound impacts on humanity.

“This visionary support for leadership of the College of Built Environments will greatly enhance teaching, learning and innovation in service of creating access to livable spaces for all. We are so grateful to the Jacobi family for investing in justice and equity through this forward-looking deanship,” said UW President Ana Mari Cauce.

By establishing the deanship, the Jacobi family broadens their pledge originally announced in 2016. The result provides the College of Built Environments with endowed funds that generate close to $300,000 annually, which the dean will use to lead the college in its work to create a more equitable built world.

The College of Built Environments is home to five departments: Architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, Real Estate, and Urban Design and Planning. By creating future leaders in these fields, the UW can influence the trajectories of climate change, social justice and human health.