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Building on a Strong Foundation

Building a strong foundation

God’s provision continues to improve the student experience through renovation and expansion BUIL STRONG ON A

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FOUNDATION DING

In pursuit of the University’s commitment to provide a high-quality, Christ-centered educational experience, 2019-2020 saw the largest campus renovation and expansion efforts in University history. ETBU constructed and remodeled spaces to allow for an optimal learning environment here on the Hill, and to make way for anticipated future growth.

Dozens of students became the first-ever residents of the recently completed first phase of the Oaks on Grove Townhomes. Each townhome provides premier living spaces for up to six residents, with a beautiful open floor plan, modern hardware and finishes, and a carefully curated layout to encourage community among residents. Ornelas Hall and University Apartments also received new paint, updated flooring, and refreshed, welcoming lobby spaces where students can gather to study and relax.

“The on-campus living and learning environment is crucial to the experience students create while in school,” ETBU Director of Residence Life Colton Sherwood said. “The relationship students build with this environment is fundamental to their learning. I’m thankful that our students have the opportunity to live and learn on such a beautiful campus.”

The learning spaces in the Jenna Guest Music Building and the Redwine Instrumental Building received complete makeovers before students returned for the fall semester.

“The ETBU Music Department’s space received new paint, flooring, and completely updated restrooms,” Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Candice Aipperspach commented. “Along with these renovations, we have adopted a more modern look for our building’s art. It is wonderful to have a renovated space to host events such as concerts and recitals. Our visitors have noticed!” According to Director of University Operations Chris Crawford, thank-you notes continue to pour in from students, faculty, and staff who have noticed the changes on campus. They take pride in our institution’s commitment to updating and bringing our buildings into the 21st century.

“When the students see that the administration is willing to invest money to make their space more beautiful and up-to-date, they take ownership,” Crawford said.

As of this semester, the historic Marshall Grand is officially open for classes. East Texas Baptist’s School of Nursing is utilizing the new classrooms, simulation lab, skills laboratory, and study areas as students prepare to become the next generation of servanthearted nurses.

“The Marshall Grand gives us the opportunity to have a space for all of the technology that we use to enrich the nursing curriculum,” Dean of Nursing Dr. Rebekah Grigsby said. “The space is just a delight to be in. There’s almost a spirit you feel when you walk in the building. For me, I know that it’s God’s presence, that He is here.”

Continuing to be blessed by donors and friends of the University, the ETBU Athletics Department also saw major updates in their facilities. The football team’s training room, players’ lounge, and theater were recently remodeled, transforming them into newly efficient spaces that will assist not only in the way the team trains and communicates, but also how the department recruits new student-athletes. “We are blessed to have some of the best facilities in the nation. In fact, the recently updated players’ lounge is now one of the nicest in Division 3.” ETBU Head Football Coach Brian Mayper shared. “The field house and the surrounding areas are great spaces for mentoring our student-athletes to be disciples of Christ. Our newly refurbished football theater allows us to engage the Tiger Football Team in weekly discipleship time that aides them in their spiritual and educational growth.” The Chapel on the Hill and the surrounding Kenny Ponder Park, generously donated by the Ponder family of Marshall, are now under construction, and will serve as a dedicated space for the community to come together in prayer and worship. To read more about the groundbreaking for this sacred new space, see page 34. While most campus changes have a direct impact on the University itself, the Marshall community will benefit from the highly-anticipated opening of ETBU's Chick-fil-A. The coveted chicken sandwich and waffle fries, along with sweet teas and milkshakes, will be a staple on-campus restaurant for use by students, faculty, staff, and the Marshall community.

“Our new Chick-fil-A features both indoor and outdoor seating, added to the seating that already exists in the student center,” Chris Crawford explained. “We are pleased to welcome Chick-fil-A to our campus, and we are excited to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

Without the generosity of University supporters who are committed to the Christ-centered mission of the institution, these projects could not happen. The University family rejoices in the gifts that have been given to make these campus updates possible as the growing Tiger student population continues to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially.

RENEWING Oaks on Grove townhomes transform Grove Street and expand student options for residential housing.

East Texas Baptist is committed to actively restoring the Marshall community through efforts made by the ETBU Neighborhood Renewal Initiative (NRI). Since its inception in 2016, the program has restored and removed dozens of condemned homes from area neighborhoods in the City of Marshall. Several dilapidated homes adjacent to ETBU’s campus were removed, improving the neighborhood and creating space for The Oaks on Grove, a new premier living/ learning residence at the University.

THE COMMUNITY

LABOR OF

ETBU breaks ground on the Chapel on the Hill and Kenny Ponder Park LOVE

urrounded by University faculty, staff, and trustees, the Ponder Family gathered at the future site of the Chapel on the Hill and Kenny Ponder Park to mark the official groundbreaking of the facilities which will carry the namesake and legacy of Kenneth Eugene Ponder. Memories of the son, father, uncle, and friend filled their hearts as Gene and Patsy Ponder addressed the crowd and shared reflections about their son's life. Located adjacent to the pond on ETBU’s campus, the Chapel will be a dedicated house of worship to focus on the power of prayer, the sanctity of biblical marriage, and the celebration of loved one's lives. Situated next to the Chapel will be Kenny Ponder Park, a peaceful outdoor area with gardens, walking paths, benches, and an arbor. Gene and Patsy Ponder have remained a cornerstone of the Marshall community as founders of Master WoodCraft Cabinetry and devoted members of First United Methodist Church of Marshall.

“Kenny was a very special young man who knew how to bring out the best in people,” Mr. Ponder said. “He had such a love for his family, his parents, and everyone he knew. The concept for this park is simply to create a place of hope, peace, and quiet contemplation. Our goal is to make a sacred space that will last. As people walk through the park and up towards the Chapel, we want them to find places to stop, think, and feel closer to God. He has been more

than gracious to our family, and we want to pass it along. We hope this park means as much to everyone who walks through it as it does to us.”

Kenny's sons initially donated funds to create a park area with gardens, a walking path, an arbor, and benches. Inspired by the generosity of their grandsons and nephews, Gene and Patsy, along with Kenny's brother Alan, contributed additional funds to construct the Chapel on the Hill.

“This is possible because of the sacrificial commitment of the Ponder family,” Dr. Blackburn said. “It is amazing how sovereign our God is to have created this vision for a chapel dedicated to Him and then fulfilled it through this faithful and generous contribution of this loving and caring family, who have dedicated themselves to serving their employees and others in our community through their cabinetry business. We give praise to the Lord for His continued faithfulness and provision for the Christ-centered calling of ETBU and for the benevolence of Gene and Patsy Ponder, their children, and grandchildren.”

Several members of the Ponder family, along with Dr. Blackburn, participated in breaking the first ground for this park and chapel. Construction on the Chapel on the Hill and Kenny Ponder Park is scheduled to be complete in Summer 2020.

Unite with us in this journey of creating a wedding chapel and sacred space for prayer, reflection, and commitment on ETBU’s serene Hilltop campus.

The Chapel on the Hill will provide a dedicated house of worship to focus on the power of prayer, the sanctity of biblical marriage, and the memorial celebration of loved ones.

Situated next to the chapel will be Kenny Ponder Park, a peaceful outdoor area with gardens, walking paths, benches, and an arbor.