Evangel University and Walton Construction schedule “Topping Off”
Photo OP: Monday, May 19, 11 a.m.
May 14, 2008
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, 417-865-2815, Ext. 7292
Springfield, Mo. — Evangel University and Walton Construction will celebrate on Monday, May 19, at 11 a.m., as the last piece of steel is put into place on Evangel’s new administration building, Ralph M. Riggs Hall.
A banner will be hung from the steel as it is raised into position. Construction workers have been asked to autograph the beam in honor of their labor. Faculty and staff will also sign the beam as a testimony to the growth of the Evangel campus.
The event will include a picnic luncheon for the construction workers at 11:30 a.m., provided by Evangel.
“This celebration marks a major milestone in Evangel’s campus development,” said Jim Williams, vice president for institutional advancement. “This facility will put a new face on the Evangel campus and will house offices for the president, five vice presidents and their support staffs.”
It will also mark the final piece of the campus development plan that started in the mid-’90s and has included eight major projects.
Building Significance
The new Administration Building is named in honor of the Rev. Ralph M. Riggs, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God 1953-59, who spearheaded the movement to establish Evangel University.
The new three-level building is a 69,000-sq.-ft. facility that is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2008. Dedication is planned to coincide with Evangel’s Homecoming in October 2009.
Evangel University is built on the site of the former O’Reilly General Hospital. The first classes were held in 1955, when Evangel’s campus was covered with nearly 100 WWII-era Army barracks. Today, one remains, and it will come down when Riggs Hall is completed.
The project was designed by Sapp Design Associates.