Judson College dedicated the new James I. Harrison Center for Academic Excellence in the newly-renovated Jewett Hall on Oct. 15.
“Our alumnae and friends have a dream to provide the best undergraduate learning space for young women anywhere in the South,” said Judson President David Potts, “and today we’re here for a great day of dedication.”
Attendees for the dedication service included many members and friends of the Harrison family; Judson’s boards of trustees; and Judson College advisers and governors.
Also present were Alabama Baptist State Convention President Joe Godfrey; Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Convention; and scores of alumnae and other friends of the college.
The original building, later named for the college’s first president, Milo P. Jewett, was built in 1841. It burned in 1888, and the second Jewett was destroyed by lightning in 1947.
It was rebuilt, and renovations were completed this year. Potts likened the newly renovated facility to the “fourth Jewett Hall.”
The James I. Harrison Center for Academic Excellence features the latest in educational technology.
Philanthropic family
James I. Harrison Jr. worked with his father, James I. Harrison Sr. in the pharmacy business in Tuscaloosa.
The younger Harrison grew the family business, now called Harco Drugs, into the largest family-owned drugstore chain in America with some 150 stores. Harco merged with Rite Aid in 1997.
Harrison Jr. and his family established the James I. Harrison Foundation that has given numbers of philanthropic gifts, including a generous gift to Judson College for the $3.6 million Jewett Hall project.
The Harrison Center is dedicated to the memory of Perry County native James Harrison Sr., Emma Lou Harrison Barnett, Marguerite Harrison Richardson and Aubrey Bomar Harrison and in honor of Charles Leslie Harrison.
“What we see today is the fruition of a two-year project,” Potts noted.
“We’re grateful to the Harrison family and other friends who helped us achieve the dream.”
Potts presented Harrison a plaque of appreciation and then, with the assistance of trustee chair Roy Barnett, conferred on him the doctor of humane letters degree — the highest honor bestowed by the college’s board of trustees.
In his response, Harrison noted that the architect and builders had done “an amazing job on this historic building.
“The name ‘Judson’ is synonymous with Christian values, and these are the finest values we can leave to our children,” Harrison continued. “The college for the best part of 200 years has taught [these values] to young women. My family is proud to be part of this.”
Potts thanked all donors who were present for the dedication ceremony, with special recognition for Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dunkin, whose gifts supported parlor renovations; Katherine Arnold Smith Aldridge McCarthy, who funded the Katie Arnold Smith Board Room; and P.O. Wilson, who gave the Martha Johnston Wilson Behavioral Classrooms and Suites.
Potts noted that other celebrations in the renovated facility would occur later in the academic year.
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