LONGVIEW/GREGG COUNTY (KYTX) - LeTourneau University in Longview is looking toward the future.
The school broke ground today on a brand new student center - and announced a new fundraising campaign - paving the way for more scholarships and programs.
A turn of the dirt is the first step toward a new era at LeTourneau University.
The new 60,000 square foot student life center will be two stories tall - with a larger game room, more restaurant options - and a brand new bookstore and mailing center.
"I think the new student center will be a pretty awesome place," LeTourneau student Paul Christophersen said. "Right now, there's a lot of individual dorms that are close to each other, but this will be a nice central place for us to really come together and be one with each other."
Dani Havard, a senior from Marshall, graduates before the center opens, but one member of her family will benefit.
"My brother's a freshman here this year, so he'll have a cool place to hang out," Havard said.
LeTourneau is naming it the Allen Family Student Center after longtime benefactors Anna Lee and Sidney Allen. He's a three-term city councilman. She's an ex-teacher.
"I don't care what economic background you come from," the Allen matriarch said, "education is key."
The $14 million student center is already paid for, but that's just the beginning.
The university is still raising $9.5 million dollars in a $27.5 million fundraising campaign by December 2014. It will expand scholarships, building construction, academic programs, faith-based works and global service learning.
"To bring even more students here," LeTourneau University President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford said.
This is about more than just improving student life. It's about jobs in construction, jobs in engineering, consulting and this campaign drive.
Building the Allen Family Student Center will bring 500 construction and contracting jobs.
"Ninety percent of our subcontractors are local subcontractors, so it is a big benefit to the local economy," said Mike Tucker, president of Longview-based Transet Co., which is leading construction. From the university's bell tower to several dorm rooms, Transet Co. has built just about every LeTourneau University building erected in the past 25 years.
And those at LeTourneau say the entire city will benefit from the people the new facilities, programs and scholarships will attract.
"Some of those students will stay here and start businesses here, and start their families here, so it benefits all of Longview," Lunsford said.
LeTourneau saw six percent enrollment growth this semester and got another top 10 ranking from U.S. News and world report.
