Houston, Texas, May 13, 2025 – Houston Christian University (HCU) has received a $5,000 donation from the Linda R. Dunham Dean’s Development Council, supporting the construction of the Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building.
Dr. Carol Lavender, Dean of the Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing, and members of the Dean’s Development Council, led by Jane Marmion ’68, presented the check to HCU President Robert Sloan on Thursday, May 8.
Dr. Sloan commended the Council for their labor, dedication and energy in supporting the University’s nursing program.
“We are grateful for the generous support of the Dean’s Development Council of The Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing. These funds will be applied towards the construction of The Sherry & Jim Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building, a new facility that will have a transformative impact on both the quantity and quality of our nursing programs, and also on community healthcare throughout Texas and the nation, but especially in Houston,” said Dr. Sloan.
Marmion spearheaded the donation to honor Dr. Charles and Joanna Poor for their dedicated support through the years. Joanna Poor was a 1958 graduate of the Lillie Jolly School of Nursing which later became part of the University.
“We’re very blessed that Joanna not only served on the Dean’s Development Council, but she visited the students every semester. It was a phenomenal experience for our students to understand the history of their school,” shared Marmion.
Dr. Lavender described it as an honor for the Council to support construction of the Smith Building, a key project in HCU’s ongoing investment in academic innovation and healthcare education.
“The Dean’s Development Council is honored to contribute to the Capital Campaign for the Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building at Houston Christian University. This gift reflects our shared belief in the power of interdisciplinary learning and the importance of creating spaces where innovation and compassion can thrive,” said Dr. Lavender.
The $60 million, 71,000-square-foot, multi-disciplinary facility will serve as a cornerstone of HCU’s commitment to academic excellence, offering cutting-edge learning spaces, advanced laboratories and the latest technology in the fields of engineering, science and nursing.
The Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building is slated to open in the Fall 2026 semester.
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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’s 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.