[photos by Mike Kemp]
CONWAY, Ark. (July 19, 2021) — Hendrix College has been awarded
a $500,000 grant from the Sunderland Foundation of Overland Park, Kansas. The
grant will support the College’s Residence Hall Renewal Project, which includes
the renovation of Martin Hall and Veasey Hall, two historic residence halls at
the core of campus.
“We
are deeply grateful to the Sunderland Foundation for its generous support of
the College over the years,” said Hendrix President Ellis Arnold. “Their
investment in the academic and student experience has enabled Hendrix to
fulfill its ongoing mission as a national liberal arts college.”
The
Residence Hall Renewal Project is a major priority of A Time to Lead: The Campaign for
Today and Tomorrow, the College’s $150 million capital campaign. The campaign
was announced in fall 2020 after Hendrix received a $15 million grant from the
Windgate Foundation, the largest outright gift in the College’s history.
The
Sunderland Foundation grant will help Hendrix meet a $2 million challenge grant from
the Mabee Foundation that the College received in April. To date, Hendrix has
raised $8,407,764 in gifts and pledges for the project, which began in May
2021. Renovations
will be completed in summer 2022.
“The Hendrix residential experience is distinctive and
unique, and Veasey and Martin Halls are two of the most iconic residence halls on
our campus,” Arnold said. “This project will allow both buildings to continue
their historic traditions and provide a positive living experience and
life-long memories for our students.”
Martin Hall (37,340 sq. ft.) opened in 1918, and
Veasey Hall (31,200 sq. ft.) opened in 1967. Aesthetic
improvements will balance historic and modern design while improving function. Most
of the upgrades will be interior. Among the renovations will be new HVAC
systems to address air quality, humidity, and moisture concerns; new plumbing
to streamline maintenance; new layouts for bathrooms to increase privacy;
reconfigured laundry areas and study/lounge spaces to promote interaction among
residents; ADA-compliant entries and living arrangements; LED lighting
upgrades; stronger wireless connectivity; and new doors and flooring throughout
both buildings.
To learn more about the Residence Hall Renewal Project or to
make a gift to support the renovations of Martin or Veasey Halls, visit www.hendrix.edu/giving/residencehallrenewal or
contact Ginny McMurray, Associate Vice President for Development, at mcmurray@hendrix.edu.
About Hendrix College
A private liberal arts college in Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix College
consistently earns recognition as one of the country’s leading liberal arts
institutions, and is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools
That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges. Its academic quality and
rigor, innovation, and value have established Hendrix as a fixture in numerous
college guides, lists, and rankings. Founded in 1876, Hendrix has been
affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. To learn more, visit www.hendrix.edu.