Houston Christian University (HCU) held a groundbreaking ceremony for Founders Hall II, the final building in the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty complex, on Tuesday, April 2.
HCU President Robert Sloan joined the Morris Family, past and former members of HCU’s Board of Trustees, members of the Executive Council, faculty and staff and Brookstone Construction contractors to mark the beginning of construction on the final phase of the five-building complex.
Dr. Sloan described Founders Hall II as a “very important and greatly needed space” that will create a domino effect around campus that will benefit many students, departments, colleges and schools in different ways.
The approximately $7 million-dollar, 18,438 sq. ft. building will mirror the size and dimensions of the adjacent three-story Founders Hall I building, both named in honor of the University’s founding fathers. The new academic building will be comprised of nine classrooms, seven faculty offices, and a conference room. The space will provide additional room for faculty to teach a range of courses.
“But this entire Center has attracted a lot of attention for the University. We’ve gained great visibility from it,” said Dr. Sloan, noting the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty’s selection as a Houston Business Journal 2023 Landmark Award winner in the education category.
Dr. Christopher Hammons, Director of the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty, described the complex’s mission to educate individuals on the nation’s founding principles; and facilitate civil discourse among diverse groups on politics, public policy and the nation’s future.
“It’s wonderful to see everybody here today as we celebrate the addition of really the final piece of this project. And we celebrate the Morris family and particularly the life of Dr. Stewart Morris, our founder,” said Dr. Hammons, before inviting HCU Board Chair Rev. Garry Blackmon to offer a prayer over the project.
Rev. Blackmon expressed appreciation for Dr. Morris and the Morris family for their contributions and generosity in making the complex possible and led a prayer of gratitude honoring the legacy of HCU Founding Father Dr. Stewart Morris, Sr. following his recent passing on March 11.
Lisa Morris Simon and Stewart Morris, Jr. shared their thoughts on their father’s impact in shaping the landscape of HCU, including his role as lead donor to the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty construction project.
The new building, upon completion, will provide additional space to support HCU’s Institutional Strategic Plan (“Husky 2030”) and help the University continue its mission of instilling in students a passion for academic, spiritual, and professional excellence as a result of our central confession, “Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Founders Hall II is slated for completion in January 2025.
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About Houston Christian University
For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan centers, HCU’ culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.