Celebrating a new chapter in the College of Education

Fort Worth, TX

9/17/2007

The new J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation Education Complex stands as a monument to a new chapter in the College of Education at TCU. Donors, students, faculty, staff, previous deans of the school and alumni joined together Sept. 15 to celebrate this outstanding success, and an open house following the dedication showed just how well the new complex matches the exceptional quality of the College of Education.

“This dream is a reality because Ann and Jon Rex first recognized the critical need to improve educational facilities at TCU and made the gift that started our project,” Dean Sam Deitz of the College of Education said in his remarks.

After the generous lead gift from Ann and Jon Rex Jones, the College of Education worked closely with Omniplan architects and Beck Construction to fulfill the dreams and express the quality of the school in the new complex. At the dedication, it was also announced that Ann and Jon Rex made an additional gift to establish the Ann M. Jones Endowed Chair of Special Education.

With the new buildings, students can simulate actual teaching scenarios within the classrooms and laboratories. The new rooms are equipped with the latest technology and tools designed, in part, by the faculty. LaMoniqué Flournoy, 2007 education alumna and current graduate student, expressed the students’ gratitude and blessings for the underlying support and love from everyone, and wished a heartfelt “thank you” to all those who helped in the project.

The redesigned and expanded Education Complex comprises the original Bailey Building and the new Betsy and Steve Palko Hall. The new annex is connected to the Bailey Building by a glass atrium, which houses an elevator. The Bailey Building was restored to its original facade with steps leading up to the entrance, flanked by grand columns. Both buildings boast new classrooms, laboratories and offices as well as a 150-seat lecture hall. The addition of the Betsy and Steve Palko Hall triples the size of the College of Education, bringing the total square footage to 36,135.

Steve Palko, for whom Betsy and Steve Palko Hall is named, said, “The new complex will be a special place and the new annex will help to expand the program, just as it deserves. Students will learn in a wonderful environment and take what they have learned into the world and make a difference.”

“I’m very purple-oriented,” said Steve Palko, who is working toward his doctoral degree in the TCU College of Education. “The college lets students feel they matter. The professors stay after class – working with students individually. That’s the commitment this university exemplifies.”