The TCU School of Education has successfully completed its building campaign by raising $11.5 million, exceeding the original goal of $10.2 million. The groundbreaking is scheduled for April 28. Gifts ranging in size from $10 into the millions were received from individuals, corporations and foundations, including a commitment to name the new building. Building naming donors to the campaign include:

Mr. and Mrs. Steffen Palko, Fort Worth, TX, - Steve Palko is the retired chairman and president of XTO Energy and is the former chair of the School of Education Board of Visitors.  He and his wife Betsy gave the naming gift for the new building, to be called the Steve and Betsy Palko Building.

J. E. & L. E. Mabee Foundation, Inc., Tulsa, OK - The Mabee Foundation provided a challenge grant that enabled the School of Education to complete fundraising for the building this year.  The J. E. & L. E. Mabee Foundation Education Complex, comprising the renovated Bailey Building and the new Palko Building, will be named for the Mabee Foundation.

“The campaign for the School of Education building project has been fantastic,” said Dr. Sam Deitz, the school’s dean. “It is important to recognize that this is a universitywide project: without the help and commitment of Chancellor Boschini, Vice Chancellor Whelan and the Advancement staff, we would not be reaching our goal. The faculty, staff, students and alumni of the School of Education are grateful for all they have done to make this dream a reality. We are also deeply grateful for the numerous donors who have provided the generous financial support in completing this campaign.”

Plans call for the complete restoration of the Bailey Building at 12,864 square-feet, combined with the construction of a new 23,271 square-foot building to the immediate west, bringing the total square footage to 36,135. The new structure will provide additional classrooms, offices for regular and adjunct faculty, a computer lab, a large common area for students and faculty, and space for an academic center and growing graduate programs. The two buildings will be joined by a three-story glass atrium housing a much-needed elevator to improve accessibility.

Classrooms and offices throughout the complex will be connected with both wired and wireless technology to ensure the most advanced and flexible capabilities. The facilities also will be designed to transmit and receive information, especially for in-service development courses for teachers.

“The School of Education needs an excellent facility to continue its progress toward preparing educators to meet the challenges and realities of the 21st century,” Dr. Deitz concludes. “This new complex ensures that teachers from TCU are prepared in facilities equal to or better than those in which they will teach.”

Giving opportunities are still available for individuals who want to establish a legacy or celebrate connections to the School of Education. For more information, contact Michele Case at m.case@tcu.edu or 817-257-5562. For progress on the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation Education Complex and the Steve and Betsy Palko Building, visit http://www.baileybuilding.tcu.edu/.

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