The Optimist

The university has raised about $9.7 million for the construction of the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center. The construction will begin once the fund reaches $14 million, which is expected to be collected by fall, and will take about 18 months to complete.

About 580 people have donated for the project, including individuals and organizations, said Brent Magner, director of development.

The new Welcome Center will house several departments and offices like Admissions and Alumni Relations, which are currently scattered at different locations around campus.

Also, there will be a space for gatherings that will be useful after the Hilton Room is removed because of the Campus Center renovation, Magner said.

The Welcome Center will be near the main east entrance on Judge Ely Boulevard and will serve as a central place for prospective and current students, alumni and other visitors on campus.

Phil Boone, director of the Centennial Campaign, said the new center will be more easily accessible especially for prospective students and other first-time visitors.

"This will be the first place they can go," Boone said.

He said most of the necessities for prospective students can be done in this building.

The project of building a new Welcome Center came up when the Centennial Campaign began in 2003.

The Board of Trustees voted to name the Welcome Center in honor of Dr. Robert Hunter and his wife Shirley for their lifelong contribution to the Abilene community, to higher education in Texas and to Abilene Christian, according to ACU Centennial Campaign Web site.

Hunter, class of '52 and distinguished alumnus, worked as a Texas State Representative. He served as a vice-chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee and was on the Government Reform Committee, as well as committees for several national legislative organizations.

His service to ACU has spanned 50 years, including the vice president position. He is currently senior vice president emeritus and recently appointed special assistant to Dr. Royce Money, president of ACU, according to the ACU Web site.

Boone said the project has raised funds from more non-alumni donators than the normal ACU projects do because of Hunter's connection outside the university.

Boone said many people who know Hunter have dedicated their money for this project in honor of him.

As a part of fundraiser, two banquets were held in Abilene and Dallas last year. The one in Abilene took place in the late August and garnered about 650 people. The other one in Dallas took place in the late October and garnered about 750 people.

Boone said fundraising began 15 months ago, and the rate is about on schedule. Rooms in the center are available for sponsorship by donating a minimum of $15,000 and up. The name of the sponsors will be recognized in each room.

Others who contribute to the center will have their name listed on the Honor Wall that will be in the building.

Email Shibata at optimist@acu.edu

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