Bill Gates dedicates new computer science building on Cornell University's Ithaca campus

Philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has officially opened a new computer science building named in his honor on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca.

Gates was on hand Wednesday for a dedication ceremony at the new glass-facade building called Bill and Melinda Gates Hall.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donated $25 million toward the $60 million total cost of the project, which broke ground in 2012.

Cornell University President David Skorton and other dignitaries participated in the dedication ceremony. Skorton called the building an inspiration to students and faculty because of its elegant design and state-of-the-art sustainability.

Gates Hall will provide a base for 60 faculty members, as well as nearly 500 undergraduate and 350 graduate students.