In a momentous occasion that marks progress and tradition, Morehouse College kicked off its 158th anniversary weekend with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new residence hall. This is the institution’s first major construction project in over two decades.

“This is a historic moment for the college and, quite frankly, for Historically Black Colleges and Universities here in Atlanta and around the country because it will be a model of what is possible,” said Morehouse President David A. Thomas during the ceremony. 

The residence hall is part of the Campus of the Future Capital Campaign, a key Making Men of Consequence Campaign initiative to modernize and expand the campus to enhance the student experience. The college is raising $500 million to support this ambitious campaign to fund student scholarships, athletics, innovative academic programs, faculty recruitment, and crucial research initiatives.

“Development like this is essential in providing our students with a top-tier learning and living environment,” said Hodan Hassan, vice president of the Office of Institutional Advancement. The residence hall will feature five stories and provide 324 beds within an expansive 88,000 square feet, complete with green spaces, lounge areas, technology rooms, and labs.

President Thomas shared that progress has already been significant, with over $320 million raised thus far. Of that, $170 million is earmarked specifically for the residence hall. He knows that reaching the $500 million goal will be challenging.

“We overcame it in the same way at Morehouse’s inception. There was doubt whether a college for formerly enslaved men was innovative or, was possible, or could be funded. We’re basically showing that Morehouse still swims in the same stream of boldness and opportunity to educate young Black men,” he asserted.

Another Exciting Project

In addition to the new residence hall, Morehouse recently secured a $20 million grant from the Woodruff Foundation to support its next major project, a 58,000-square-foot Campus Center. This facility is set to include a dining hall, rooftop plaza, and collaborative spaces designed for engagement among students, faculty, and alumni.

“We still need $28 million to begin breaking ground,” Thomas said about the Campus Center. “We hope that our community of support will continue to invest in building the campus of the future so that we can provide more state-of-the-art spaces for our scholars to live, learn, and grow into the men of distinction and consequence that they are destined to be.”

Morehouse is calling on alumni, parents, partners, and friends to rally behind the mission and pave the way for a bright future at Morehouse College. 

This article sources information from Morehouse College.