MSU names Giles auditorium for Madison couple

Contact: Harriet Laird

STARKVILLE, Miss.--In ceremonies Friday [Jan. 28], Mississippi State's College of Architecture, Art, and Design dedicated the newly renovated Giles Hall auditorium in honor of longtime supporters Robert and Freda Harrison.

The Robert and Freda Harrison Auditorium is named for the Madison couple who have shared a 30-year relationship with Mississippi State and the architecture school. The auditorium, which seats up to 200 persons, has been a major campus venue for a variety of activities since 1985. Recently a gift from the Harrisons made possible a complete renovation of the auditorium.

"The college gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the Harrisons," said college Dean Jim West. "It is a fitting tribute to recognize them in this manner for the countless times they have served as volunteer ambassadors of the college."

"We are tremendously appreciative of their continuous support of architecture education," West added.

Robert Harrison is a retired architect, consultant and founding partner of Jackson-based JH&H Architects. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Tulane University in architecture and business administration, respectively. He also completed a master's in architecture from the University of Florida.

Currently a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects, and a Fellow in the Construction Specifications Institute, Harrison is a former national board member with the organizations. He also is a past president of both Mississippi chapters.

"As president of the AIA, Robert Harrison was instrumental in assisting Mississippi State with its quest to become the only university in the state with an architecture school," West said. "From a young age, he wanted to become an architect, but had no direct path to complete his dream in our state."

Established in 1973, MSU's undergraduate architecture program includes four years of study on the Starkville campus and a final year in Jackson.

As an adjunct faculty member, Harrison was the first teacher for the fifth-year program in Jackson. He also has been a longtime member of the school's advisory board.

Earlier gifts by the Harrisons also support an endowed fund and a visiting lecture series, both which also carry their names. The lecture series regularly draws nationally distinguished designers to serve as lecturers each semester.

Freda Harrison attended University College at Tulane University. She holds life memberships in garden clubs at the state, regional and national levels. Over the years, she has supported horticulture and environmental design efforts through university scholarships.

MSU created the College of Architecture, Art, and Design in 2004 by merging the architecture school with the art department and an academic program in interior design. The college also offers an undergraduate program in building construction science.

For more information on the Harrison gift, contact Nathan Moore, the college's development director, at 662-325-2542 or nmoore@foundation.msstate.edu.

For more information about Mississippi State University, visit www.msstate.edu.