Celebrating Twenty Years with the Skiles Building

On Friday, November 17, 2023, Hardin-Simmons University celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Elwin L. Skiles Social Sciences Building with special remarks, guest speakers, and refreshments. Alumni, faculty and staff, past and present, and current students attended to honor and celebrate the building’s anniversary. 

Dr. Stephen Cook speaks during the event.

Dr. Stephen Cook, Dean of the Cynthia Ann Parker School of Liberal Arts, guided the audience through what it would be like to use the building 20 years ago. Dr. Cook also shared some of the experiences of those present for Skiles’ opening semester. 

Next spoke alumna Ms. Alexa-Rae Gist from the class of 2016. She reminisced about her time as a criminal justice student studying in the Skiles Building. She shared, “There isn’t a day where I don’t thank God for being able to attend Hardin-Simmons University as a first-generation student.” 

After her recollections, President Emeritus Dr. Lanny Hall spoke. He also gave mementos to those essential to Skiles’ development and those who proudly supported the building through teaching and financial donations. 

HSU employees Chastity Jobe, Dr. Lauren Cantrell, and Dr. Larry McGraw enjoyed the cake during the reception.

Ash Wright, Vice President for Engagement and Advancement, closed the ceremony with a prayer of gratitude for the teachers, the students, and God for blessing those who have attended the Skiles Building and those who will teach and study in the future.