A $5 million donation from a retired Microsoft Corp. executive will help The Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., build a STEM-themed learning space.

The private boarding school says the donation by Jon Shirley, who was president of Microsoft from 1983 to 1990 and who graduated from The Hill in 1956, is mostly earmarked for design and construction of the $25 million Quadrivium Center, which will house courses and activities in science, technology, engineering, math and design.

“From his leadership role at Microsoft, Jon understands the technology and scientific field at the highest level,” says headmaster Zachary G. Lehman. “His endorsement of the Quadrivium Center sends a strong signal to our students, faculty and community.”

The 40,000-square-foot facility will house workshops, laboratories and flexible classroom spaces designed for collaboration, creativity and competitive research. The school expects construction of the center to be completed for the 2018-19 school year.

The architect is GUND Partnership.