CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
What began as an idea in the heart of our Founding Fathers led to Houston Baptist College’s establishment in 1960. With a strong foundation to build upon, the institution has become the renowned, national, comprehensive University it is today. Keeping Christian principles at the forefront, the University has retained its character as it has grown.
As we celebrate the Diamond Anniversary, we’re truly celebrating each of you. Students, alumni, supporters, parents, friends, faculty and staff, you are the heart of HCU. We look to the past with gratitude and pride, and we look to the future with eager anticipation.
Then
The Rev. Billy Graham speaks at the inaugural HBC Convocation in 1963.
Now
Students experience “A Higher Education,” combining scholarship, Christian beliefs and student life.
1957
Houston developer Frank Sharp offers to sell 390 acres of land near the Southwest Freeway to the Union Baptist Association College Committee.
1983
1983 The Atwood II building opens; HCU junior Rickie Thompson becomes the first NCAA National Champion in University history by winning in the high jump competition.
1984
Construction begins on the Cullen Science II building to accommodate growth.
1985
The Glasscock Gymnasium is dedicated.
1986
A new campus entrance is constructed on Fondren Road using stately columns and architectural elements formed from the same Texas granite as the 10 columns given by the Morris family.
1987
Dr. Edward Doug Hodo is named the second president of HBU.
1989
The former men’s gymnastics team becomes #1 in the nation in NCAA competition.
1990
The former women’s gymnastics team earns a national championship.
1995
Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for the Hinton Academic Center, a new centerpiece of the campus.
1997
A groundbreaking for the Baugh Center is held; students move into the newly constructed Husky Village Apartments on campus.
![](https://hc.edu/news-and-events/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Bible-museum.jpg")
1998
The Bible in America Museum (now the Dunham Bible Museum) opens to the public.
1999
The “Legacy Evening with Lady Margaret Thatcher” brings the former prime minister of Great Britain to HBU; the M. Catharine Mest Wing is added to the women’s dormitories.
2001
General Norman Schwarzkopf is the featured speaker for the Spirit of Excellence Dinner.
2002
The iconic Ornogah yearbook wins first place with distinction from the Associated Collegiate Press, the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, and the Baptist Press Association, as well as a silver medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
2005
HCU is named one of 200 “Colleges of Distinction” nationwide.
2006
Dr. Robert Bryan Sloan is named the third president of HBU.
2007
The Joella & Stewart Morris Cultural Arts Center is dedicated; the Honors College begins.
2008
Dr. Sloan and the HCU Board of Trustees adopt “The Ten Pillars,” a 12-Year vision for the future of the University; the University Academic Center and Hodo Residence College (formerly the Lake House) opens.
2009
Construction is completed on the $1.5 million Sherry and Jim Smith Letourneau Organ in Belin Chapel.
2010
Dr. Don Looser, vice president emeritus, publishes “An Act of Providence: A History of Houston Christian University, 1960-2010”; former President George W. Bush speaks at the Spirit of Excellence Gala.
2011
HCU is fully admitted back into NCAA Division I Athletics membership and announces acceptance into the Southland Conference.
2014
The first-ever home football game is played in Husky Stadium on Dunham Field; the McNair Plaza is constructed.
2015
HCU dedicates the Belin Tower, named for Dr. & Mrs. J. Bruce Belin, Jr.; HCU announces the Archie W. Dunham College of Business, named following a $15 million gift from Christian business leader Archie Dunham and his wife, Linda.
2016
HCU offers its first doctoral program, the Doctor of Education in Executive Educational Leadership, making HCU a national, comprehensive university; the McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise, named for philanthropists Janice and Robert C. McNair, is established.
2017
HCU launches the Pampell Online Division, named for benefactor Pinky Pampell.
2018
Sherry and Jim Smith, Sr. provide $20 million toward the construction of classroom and laboratory facilities to be utilized by the College of Science and Engineering and the School of Nursing and Allied Health.
2019
A ceremonial groundbreaking is held for the Morris Family Center for Law and Liberty thanks to a more than $10 million gift from the Joella and Stewart Morris Foundation.
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