ACU welcomed Ray Hansen (’53) to campus to celebrate the dedication of the Nancy and Ray Hansen Reading Commons with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 2. Many of Ray’s colleagues, friends, and family joined the special dedication.
President Phil Schubert began with expressions of gratitude to Ray Hansen, and conveyed heartfelt thanks for lifelong participation and support of ACU. Dr. Schubert shared that the generous gift to fund the Reading Commons project is a true testament of Nancy (Waters ‘53) Hansen’s memory.
Dr. John B. Weaver, Dean of Educational Technology and Library Services welcomed attendees to the dedication and introduced Melinda Isbell, Research and Instruction Services Librarian who provided a slide show and brief description of the Reading Commons and how it impacts ACU students and faculty.
Jim Orr, Vice President for Advancement, and Royce Money, Chancellor, shared a few words describing their long history of friendship with Ray and Nancy Hansen, and presented Ray a framed copy of the the Greatest Moments 1950’s “Singing Christians” poster.
Ray Hansen spoke at the dedication and shared that the gift he made in memory of his beloved wife, Nancy, was the least he could do for her and ACU. He explained that ACU gave Ray a good education which resulted in a good career, and Nancy gave Ray a happy family and home. He shared that Nancy was a terrific wife and mother who never complained about the many moves made together due to Ray’s employment.
The dedication concluded with a ribbon-cutting and prayer.
Brown Library renovated the east side of the Learning Commons into a community space for book browsing, reading, and special literary events. It is full of new books and periodicals, new shelving, comfortable seating and tables, good lighting, and equipped with digital presentation capabilities. This project was funded by a generous gift from Ray Hansen (’53) in memory of his beloved wife, Nancy (Waters ’53) and is named Nancy and Ray Hansen Reading Commons.
To learn more about the Reading Commons, view this Optimist Video by Amber Chavez.