The building is named in honor of philanthropist and entrepreneur, the late Robert W. Plaster, and “in recognition of a significant six-figure gift by The Robert W. Plaster Foundation,” said President Arvid C. Johnson.The University of St. Francis opened the former Mode Theater building in August 2014 after a $2.7 million interior and exterior renovation of the 18,000-square-foot building, including classrooms, a courtroom for mock trial activities, student study and leisure space, computer labs and offices. A business incubator is a major feature of the building and will support USF’s undergraduate and graduate entrepreneurship degree programs.

The building, donated to USF by BMO Harris Bank, also houses the College of Arts & Sciences’ Recreation and Sport Management and History, Political Science and Criminal & Social Justice degree programs. The College of Business & Health Administration’s Transportation & Logistics Management program is also based there.