Regents Approve Facility Namings to Honor Long-Standing Donors

Today, more than 25 percent of MSU Texas students live on campus. As the University’s residential population continues to grow, the need for expanded student services has increased. Over the past three years, administrators have created, as part of the University’s campus master plan, projects to address the physical space required for its growing residential population.

On Thursday, the Midwestern State University Board of Regents accepted leadership gifts from the J.S. Bridwell Foundation and the Bryant Edwards Foundation that will underwrite portions of construction for a new facilities services building, and the renovation and repurposing of the Daniel Building for a vibrant student activities center to complement the Clark Student Center.

MSU Texas Regents also approved the naming of the Bryant Edwards Facilities Administration Building, the Bridwell Activities Center, and the Cannedy Greek Commons in recognition of their long-standing support of the University and investments in these projects.

“We are excited that both the Bryant Edwards and J.S. Bridwell Foundations continue their historic partnerships with MSU Texas,” said President Suzanne Shipley. “Through their generosity and support, we are closer to realizing our goal of creating a more vibrant campus and destination residential university.”

By relocating core facilities operations housed in the Daniel Building, the University will be positioned to create a pedestrian friendly campus while expanding the footprint of the student center by opening new space for student activities in Daniel.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2019 or early 2020. First will be the relocation of core maintenance and facilities operations from the Daniel Building to the new Bryant Edwards Facilities Administration Building, a pre-engineered metal building that will be constructed along Hampstead Lane and Louis J. Rodriguez Drive.

Once those core operations are relocated to the new facility, the next step will be the first phase of the renovation of the Daniel Building to provide space for four large Greek suites, to become the Cannedy Greek Commons. The naming is in honor of Connie and Mac Cannedy, who are both graduates of Midwestern State and longtime donors. The couple have also remained active in their involvement with Greek Life activities at the University.

“Mac and Connie Cannedy have long been supporters of the MSU Greek system, with Connie providing vision and guidance to Sigma Kappa and others for many years. We are thrilled the Greek Commons will carry their name,” said Keith Lamb, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

Underscoring the importance of Greek Life, Mac Cannedy said, “Greek community members increase the loyalty of alumni to the University and a large percentage continue being active supporters of MSU Texas.”

Between the growth of the residential population and participation in Greek Life, adequate space is critical for the success of student life activities, said Lamb. “Greek Life is an important part of the MSU Texas student life programming, and it has outgrown the current allocated space. Successful chapters positively contribute to our retention and graduation efforts,” he said.

As these projects get underway, University officials will seek funding to complete the newly formed activities center. In the long-term plan, the Bridwell Activities Center will house the MSU Texas Student Government Association, Greek Life and individual Greek chapter rooms, Student Activities, the University Programming Board, work and meeting space for student organizations, student transition programs, a dining auxiliary, and a 150-seat theater.

These contributions are part of the Campaign for MSU Texas, and tie directly to the comprehensive campaign pillars of enriching the lives of students, enhancing teaching and learning, and investing in the university campus and community.

“Investments in our academic and student programs continue to build strength and promote innovation,” said Shipley. “The powerful blend of tradition and innovation is the very foundation for our future – one that leads us proudly into our second century.”

To learn more about the seven-year, $50 million Campaign for MSU Texas, contact Tony Vidmar, Vice President for University Advancement and Public Affairs, at 940-397-4782 or tony.vidmar@msutexas.edu.