Ceremony to Honor United Supermarkets' Generosity
When planning for Midwestern State University's Legacy Hall began, campus leaders desired to create spaces that would attract and retain today's college student. The goal was to develop a residential facility that fosters a strong sense of community and builds student connections with peers, faculty, staff, and community. As such, a community learning center, multipurpose activity center, faculty in residence program, recreation area, and a central courtyard were designed to integrate student living and learning experiences.
That sense of community and a belief in the transformative potential of education is what attracted United Supermarket officials to the residential learning project at Midwestern State. The company has pledged $200,000 toward the establishment of the United Supermarkets Endowed Scholarship Fund and $800,000 to assist with the construction of the learning commons for a total investment of $1 million.
A commitment to community is a hallmark of United Supermarkets as they have generously distributed millions of dollars to the communities in which they serve through the years. The company has been an anchor of excellence in Wichita Falls since the 1960s.
During this year's homecoming festivities at MSU, the extraordinary generosity of United Supermarkets, LLC will be highlighted with a ceremony naming the Market Street Learning Commons and the United Supermarkets Community Learning Center. The ceremony will begin 1:30 p.m. Friday, October 28, at Legacy Hall, located along Louis J. Rodriguez Drive.
"Given United's interest in promoting education in our region and with our history and partnership with the community of Wichita Falls, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to support both through Midwestern State University," said United president Robert Taylor. "MSU has a great reputation for educating young people who live in this area and since students make up a significant part of our United Family team, this partnership is right in line with the promise to support education that has been a priority for United for over 100 years."
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the university will host an open house of the new facility from 2-4 p.m. Guests may explore the modern amenities of the Market Street Learning Commons as well as tour one of the residential floors in Legacy Hall.
"We are pleased to honor and recognize United Supermarkets for its support of our students and our programs," said MSU President Suzanne Shipley. "This partnership will allow us to expand our identity as a leading residential university as we provide our students with a supportive, high-tech learning environment."
The 500-bed, 153,000-square-foot facility opened in August at near capacity. The total number of available student beds on campus is now 1,768.