FRAMINGHAM – For more than four decades, Professor Thomas Eames has dedicated his career at Framingham State University to helping students navigate the complexities of Chemistry. Now, thanks to a transformative gift from Professor Eames and his wife Joan to the Framingham State Alumni Association and Foundation, that impact will continue for many years to come.

The couple has pledged a gift of just over $2 million to establish an endowed fund for the College of STEM. Beginning in FY27, the endowment will provide approximately $100,000 annually to support students, faculty, and academic programs within the College.

Professor Eames currently holds the title of Professor Emeritus in the Chemistry and Food Science Department. His career at FSU began in 1972 and he retired from full-time teaching in 2000. 

Framingham State President Nancy Niemi will ask the Board of Trustees, and the Board of Higher Education to approve a request to rename Hemenway Laboratories as Professor Thomas and Joan Eames Laboratories, in recognition of their generosity.

“We are very excited for the impact this level of annual funding will have for our students and faculty in the College of STEM. Renaming the building that houses Professor Eames’ professional home of four decades honors his contributions to the university,” says Dr. Niemi.  “Tom and Joan are very excited and honored to have their names permanently etched onto the campus.”

Hemenway Laboratories is a modern science facility completed within the last decade that houses 16 labs serving students studying Biology, Chemistry and Food Science. The renaming ensures that future generations of students and faculty will be reminded daily of the Eames family’s lasting commitment to science education at Framingham State.