Hendrix College is pleased to
announce that it has been awarded a $2 million challenge grant from the J.E.
and L.E. Mabee Foundation to support the renovation of historic Galloway Hall
on the Hendrix College campus.
Galloway Hall, constructed in 1933
and designed by renowned Arkansas architect Charles L. Thompson, is the oldest
women’s residence hall on campus. Listed on the National Register of Historic
Places in 1982, the Tudor Revival-style building has been a central part of the
Hendrix College community for more than a century.
Hendrix President Karen Petersen
said, “The Mabee Foundation challenge grant provides an opportunity to engage
the entire Hendrix community in the restoration of Galloway Hall and the
rejuvenation of the residential experience at Hendrix College. Galloway
exemplifies the value of the residential experience—for nearly 100 years,
students, alumni, and their families have developed lifelong friendships and
connections as Galloway residents. Thanks to generous supporters, we will
ensure many more generations of women are able to do the same.”
Hendrix College is actively working
to unlock the Mabee Foundation challenge by raising an additional $2 million in
funds from alumni and friends. The unwavering support of the Hendrix community
played a vital role in securing this generous grant. The Mabee Foundation
values broad-based participation, emphasizing that gifts of all sizes are
essential to the success of this effort.
Once the challenge is met, those
contributions will account for nearly one-fourth of the project’s total cost.
The $12.5 million Galloway Hall fundraising campaign will include construction
costs for the restoration and an endowment for maintenance of the building in
perpetuity.
A team of Hendrix alumnae are
working alongside President Petersen to see the project through as campaign
co-chairs: Jan Nelson Hundley ’80, Stephanie Anderson Gunderman ’93, Melissa
Taulbee Brighton ’97, and Tanya Corbin Frey ’02. They encourage their fellow
alumni to follow the project’s progress as it unfolds and submit stories of
Galloway Hall on the Hendrix College Facebook page and at
www.hendrix.edu/galloway.
“To have Galloway Hall as my first
‘home away from home’ was truly a gift,” said Gunderman. “It is a privilege to
serve alongside our three co-chairs who have such rich memories of their lives
in Galloway. We are excited to encourage
and support this philanthropic endeavor for Galloway Hall, which will leave a
lasting legacy for our future, present, and past Hendrix community.”
The renovation project aims to
modernize the building's infrastructure and facilities while maintaining its
historic character and charm. Planned improvements include enhanced
accessibility features, upgraded security systems, and the restoration of original
architectural elements. These enhancements will ensure that Galloway Hall
continues to serve as a foundation for the Hendrix experience for generations
to come.
Galloway Hall Council President
Avery Cagle ’26 has lived in the historic residence hall for the past two years
and looks forward to the restoration project. She said, “I love how homey and
lived-in this building feels. To find out that the goal of the restoration is
to keep the character [of the building] intact was just really amazing to
hear.”
Hendrix College was founded in 1876
and will commemorate its 150th anniversary next year. The restoration of
Galloway Hall will kick off the College’s sesquicentennial celebrations as it
reopens in August 2026 for student use for the fall semester.
“Completing the restoration next
fall as we launch our sesquicentennial celebrations aligns perfectly with our
community’s emphasis on honoring our history as we prepare for our next 150
years of life-changing work,” added Petersen.
For more information on how to
contribute to the Galloway Hall renovation or to learn more about the project,
please visit www.hendrix.edu/galloway.
About the J.E. and L.E. Mabee
Foundation
The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation,
established in 1948, is a private philanthropic organization based in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. The Foundation provides grants to institutions of higher education,
healthcare organizations, and other charitable entities, with a focus on
capital improvement projects. Since its inception, the Mabee Foundation has
awarded over $1.6 billion in grants to support initiatives that enhance
educational and community resources.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You
Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts
colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links
the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion,
justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to
lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College
Statement of Purpose