Contact: Maridith Geuder
In weekend ceremonies, Mississippi State kicked off construction of the university's new 34,000 square-foot alumni and foundation center.
To be located on the western edge of campus at the intersection of Barr Avenue and University Drive, the building will be named for Canton native and lead contributor Hunter W. Henry Jr. A 1950 MSU chemical engineering graduate now residing in San Marcos, Texas, he is the retired president of Dow Chemical USA.
Henry, among 100 persons in attendance for the Saturday ceremony at the construction site, made a cornerstone commitment of $3 million toward the center. His gift is among more than $6 million in contributions received so far toward construction of the $8 million facility.
"I have always tried to create an atmosphere in the workplace where people can succeed without being prodded," Henry told the audience. "The outstanding leadership at Mississippi State has created an atmosphere where that can happen, and this structure is something I want to be a part of."
Designed by Foil Wyatt Architects of Jackson, the center will house offices, a 400-seat capacity ballroom, meeting rooms and a large donor recognition area.
"We envision the building as a drawing card for the university and a way of bringing together common interests and activities," said Dennis A. Prescott, MSU vice president for external affairs.
"With one of the largest meeting places on campus located in the Henry Center, we will have ample opportunity to open our doors to a wide variety of people and showcase the university," Prescott added.
Henry long has been a major donor to his alma mater and was selected in 1988 as MSU's alumnus of the year. That same year, he also was among 10 individuals recognized by the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges for contributions to the country's major universities.