HSU unveils updated spaces during Homecoming festivities

(ABILENE, Texas)–Over the past year, the Hardin-Simmons University campus saw several updates to existing buildings, as well as new construction projects, to further existing programs. On Saturday, Oct. 19, during HSU’s Homecoming festivities, the university invited students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to walk through some of the renovated spaces on campus. Throughout the day, Homecoming attendees toured the new Houston-Lantrip Center (HLC) and Tommy Hale Short Game Golf Facility, and the renovated Blanche Lange Hall, Mabee Hall, and Holland Hall.

According to HSU President Eric Bruntmyer, the HLC aims to “provide support for individuals with dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders, and other learning differences. In addition, it is our passion to provide parental and student resources for our community.”

Named after benefactor Mae Houston-Lantrip, an Abilene native and 1947 graduate of Hardin-Simmons, the HLC provides ample space for the community with dyslexia and autism spectrum disorders to receive specialized support and care. Training programs at the HLC allow educators and parents to learn how to support their students and children better.

The HLC also offers certificate programs for dyslexia specialists and register behavior technicians. Seminars and workshops assist adults who work with children with dyslexia, autism, or other learning difficulties, and provide learning and growth opportunities for local educators.

A renovated room in Blanche Lange Hall

The Tommy Hale Short Game Golf Facility’s gates officially opened at a dedication ceremony on Sept. 12 of this year. Named after HSU golf legend Tommy Hale, the facility includes a putting green, chipping green, and two sand bunkers. The short game course provides a place for the Hardin-Simmons golf team, along with other students, faculty, staff, and alumni, to hone their chipping and putting skills.

Built in 1954, Blanche Lange Hall required HVAC repairs and a facelift to make the space more functional for the upper-classmen women who call the building home. Along with a new air conditioning and filtration system, Lange received new vinyl flooring, windows, and furniture. Over Christmas break, crews will replumb all drains and showers, update the electrical system, and add new treads to the stairs.

PA training is highly sought-after, and Hardin-Simmons’ program is expanding, with the new renovations to their classrooms and workspaces in Mabee Hall. The PA classrooms underwent a series of remodels during the summer of 2019, and they now feature state of the art technology. Each class now includes at least one flat-screen television and a point tilt zoom camera system to view and record lectures and student feedback, as well as to provide playback of all lectures and labs. Additionally, wireless technology has been upgraded throughout the building to increase the WIFI speed and quality.

Formerly AbLabs, the updated Holland Hall has been transformed into a state of the art Physical Therapy facility. Located across from Hendrick Hospital on Pine St., the building provides ample lab space for lectures and training with cutting edge medical equipment for undergraduate, doctorate, and post-professional students to learn and practice for their futures in the medical field.