Robert H. Bruininks (/bruːnɪks/ BROO-nihks;[1] born February 22, 1942) is a former president of the University of Minnesota.
Bruininks sent a university-wide email on May 5, 2010, stating that the '10-'11 school year would be his last as president of the university.
While there, Bruininks worked on issues of public leadership, human capital, and higher education policy until his retirement in 2013.
The structure was originally completed in 2010 while Bruininks was still serving as president of the university.
At the opening ceremony of the building in August 2010, Bruininks is quoted as saying, "It's appropriate that a building that supports science education and overlooks a great river would be built with principles of sustainability at the forefront.