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College Names Building in Honor of Kellie J. Falk Following Transformational Gift
RALEIGH, N.C (April 21, 2026) – Wake Tech announced Tuesday that Building R on the Southern Wake Campus will be named the Kellie J. Falk Center for Building Technologies, recognizing a transformational gift from Falk, a local business leader and former college trustee.
Falk's $1 million gift establishes a sustainable source of funding to support faculty through professional development, stipends and externships. It will also provide equipment and materials that strengthen hands-on learning for students in Wake Tech's skilled trades programs. With this addition to her prior endowment, it is now the largest endowed fund supporting skilled trades at Wake Tech.
Members of the Wake Tech Board of Trustees, college leaders, students and Falk's family and friends celebrated her investment during a dedication ceremony.
"This naming recognizes Kellie's extraordinary commitment to Wake Tech students. Her gift will expand hands-on learning, strengthen our faculty and help ensure our graduates are prepared to meet workforce demand," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. "She continues to be a difference maker, not just for Wake Tech, but for our community by investing in these important occupations."
"This is more than a building. It is a high-tech workforce training facility focused on teaching the latest applied techniques in building maintenance, electrical and mechanical systems and other critical technologies needed in today's economy," Falk said. "The skills taught here lead to high-demand careers that provide strong wages and long-term opportunity for our community."
Falk served on Wake Tech's Board of Trustees for eight years after being appointed by former Gov. Roy Cooper. As vice chair and chair, she helped lead the college through the COVID-19 pandemic, supported the successful $353 million bond referendum in 2022 and advanced major expansion efforts in Wendell during a period of record enrollment. In 2019, she established the Falk Achievement Fund Endowed Scholarship, supporting students and helping to develop the next generation of skilled professionals in Wake Tech's non-degree Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician program, electrical wiring and HVAC programs.
Falk is principal and managing director of Drucker + Falk, a family-owned real estate management company operating since 1938. She is a past president of the Apartment Association of North Carolina, which represents more than 500,000 apartments statewide, and she serves on numerous community and industry boards.
