Cooper Building

Building Name

Cooper Building

Description

The Cooper Building was a 12,796 square foot office facility built in 1984. It was located immediately across the street from Westview Drive, with a view of Rynearson Stadium and EMU's athletic facilities. Originally known as Riverbend Office Building, EMU purchased the property in January. A lease agreement between EMU and The EMU Foundation was signed in 1996 stating that The Foundation offices will occupy approximately 5,648 square feet at an annual cost of $66,153. The Foundation made necessary improvements to the office space at their cost. Additionally, The Foundation was responsible for payment of utilities, custodial services and other related operating costs. When improvements to the office space were completed, the Foundation relocated the University's Give Records and Receipts operations there. The Cooper Building is no longer utilized by Eastern Michigan University.

Namesake Biography

Named after Darrell F. Cooper, who in 1996 was chairman and chief executive office of Fernco Inc. in Davison, MI. From the 1980's until his passing, Cooper took an active volunteer leadership role at the University and has been an ardent supporter. He was chairman of the EMU College of Business Development Board from 1989 to 1992, and is a charter member of the EMU Foundation Board of Trustees, serving as treasurer and chair of the investment committee in 1992, then serving as chairman of the Board in 1993. Cooper volunteered as chair of EMU's Campaign for Scholars, which had a fundraising goal of $12 million. Mr. Cooper and his wife, Charlotte, were the first private donors to give $1 million gift to the University. Through their generosity, The Cooper Endowed Chair in Leadership was established in the College of Business' Management Department. Darrell H. Cooper received an honorary doctor of business administration degree from the University in 1994. Cooper passed away in February of 2024.

Building Namesake

Darrell F. Cooper

Year Constructed

1984

Date Dedicated

1996

Building Functions

EMU Foundation Offices

Riverbend Office Building

Original Cost

0

Architectural Style

Modern

Square Footage

12796

Rights

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the owner, Eastern Michigan University Archives (lib_archives@emich.edu).