UMHB Dedicates Meyer Center
10/10/08
Belton, Texas -With fanfare and grandeur, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor officials ceremonially cut the purple ribbon on the new Paul and Jane Meyer Christian Studies Center on Thursday, October 9.
In front of a crowd of nearly 300 people, the president of the university, Dr. Jerry G. Bawcom, and First Lady Vicky Bawcom stood with Paul and Jane Meyer of Waco to officially open the building which was named in their honor after their family foundation provided the lead $1 million toward the building's construction.
Once the ribbon was cut, the crowd moved into the Manning Chapel for an hour-long dedication ceremony in which the concert choir performed, major benefactors were recognized and information about the new facility was shared.
"Once again we find ourselves in a magnificent building, which is a tribute to our Trustees, alumni, administrators, faculty and benefactors who work to provide the very best for our students," said Bawcom.
The new 18,800-square-foot building, designed by Larry Neal, Architect, and constructed by Blair/Williams Construction of Belton, provides space for classes, meetings and special events.
The first-floor foyer leads visitors to a suite of offices for the dean of Christian Studies and a student lounge. There are four classrooms, sized to accommodate students enrolled in Old and New Testament classes each year. A conference room offers an alternative space for smaller seminar courses.
The first floor also includes the Manning Chapel, sized to hold 275 people, which was filled to capacity during the dedication ceremony. The chapel has vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. The university anticipates it will become a central gathering place teaching and for students to worship.
At the center of the second floor is a large library which houses a special collection of books on theology and Baptist life. The library will also serves as the home for UMHB's new Center for Baptist Studies. Offices for members of the religion faculty are clustered together on the second floor.
Paul and Jane Meyer, for whom the building was named, live in Waco and have had international business success. Paul J. Meyer made his mark on the world of business in the 1960s as the founder of Success Motivation Institute (SMI), a company committed to motivating people to reach their full potential.
Paul and his wife, Jane, firmly believe in the importance of stewardship and giving, and they have instilled these values in their family. Together the Meyer family has become principal owners of more than 40 corporations around the world. The Meyers have, through their family foundation, given back to their community and to those in need by supporting a wide range of charities and ministries. The family's decision to make the lead gift for this Christian Studies Center provided essential financial groundwork and inspired the support of many others for the project.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has 2,700 students enrolled and is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
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