More than 680 households generously contributed to the Moody renovations, including several significant donations that have been recognized with names throughout the facility.
Anthony Arena recognizes donors April (Bullock ’89) and Mark (’86) Anthony.
The generosity and leadership of the Anthonys, of Dallas, Texas, have transformed the ACU campus beyond recognition. Their gifts to Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium (2013), Onstead Science Center (2014), Bullock Hall (2020), and now Anthony Arena in Moody Coliseum have been part of the greatest expansion of new and renewed campus facilities since the Design for Development campaign that began in 1962. April is chair of ACU’s Board of Trustees and an award-winning executive, with more than 30 years of experience as an innovator and entrepreneur in the home health care field. She is founder and former CEO of three successful health care companies, and in August 2022, she became the CEO of VitalCaring Group, an early stage homecare and hospice business. Mark serves on the university’s ACIMCO advisory board and has led a distinguished career as an institution equity broker and software sales executive, helping April build Homecare Homebase into the nation’s leading Enterprise Management Solution for the homecare and hospice industry. April and Mark earned B.B.A. degrees from ACU. They have three children: Ashlyn (Anthony ’17) Garone, Luke (’20) and Allie.
Wessel Court recognizes donors Rick (‘81) and Debbie (Rains ‘79) Wessel.
Rick and Debbie Wessel have a deep and loving devotion to their family – especially grandchildren Holden Haskin, Harper Haskin, Rhett Wessel and Reagan Wessel – and to Abilene Christian University. Rick serves as an ACU trustee and chair of the university’s ACIMCO advisory board. He earned his B.B.A. degree in accounting and spent 11 years in public accounting. In 1992, he became CFO of a publicly traded company, helping grow it into a multi-billion-dollar international organization while serving as CEO since 2006 and vice-chair of its board since 2016. Debbie earned a B.S.Ed. degree and taught first-graders in public and private school systems throughout her career. Over the years, the Wessels have developed a close connection with the women’s basketball program while watching games, fostering relationships and supporting each team. Their gift to name Wessel Court in Moody Coliseum was inspired by the team’s faith, integrity, kindness and strong determination.
The Haskin Family South Lobby recognizes donors Travis (‘05) and Jenny (Wessel ‘04) Haskin.
Jenny and Travis Haskin are excited to extend their ACU legacy by providing the South Lobby of Moody as the campus “front door.” They saw the vision of Moody as a place that would inspire new generations of students to come to ACU. Jenny serves on ACU’s Alumni Advisory Board, and they are passionate about helping recruit students, often hosting events in their home to bring new families into the Wildcat community. The Haskins’ hope is that their children, Holden and Harper, will join the long purple line of Wildcats who will gather, worship and cheer in Moody Coliseum.
The name of Moody Coliseum – from its opening through today – honors The Moody Foundation.
In 1966, The Moody Foundation stretched beyond its usual Galveston-area home base and became one of the two major donors to a new coliseum breaking ground on the campus of Abilene Christian College. Its cornerstone gift provided critical momentum to the success of this project and helped make the vision a reality. Construction began Sept. 12, 1966, and Mary Moody Northen and William L. Moody IV joined other donors to celebrate the grand opening of Moody Coliseum on Feb. 18, 1968. In 2021, the foundation contributed significantly toward renovations to Moody Coliseum, which has become the heart of so many campus traditions. Once again, their gift came when most needed to encourage continued fundraising success. For more than 75 years, The Moody Foundation has funded projects and programs that better communities in Texas. The foundation’s mission – empowering Texas communities to thrive and prosper – impacts grantees in areas including the arts, education, environment, health and social services. Its vision focuses on “building a bigger, better future for Texans.”
The Kay and Ray McGlothlin Women’s Basketball Team Suite honors Kay (Dollar ’49) and Ray (’49) McGlothlin Jr. and was also made possible by Eric (’81) and Danna (McGlothlin ’80) Oliver.
The McGlothlins met at ACC in 1946, where they shared a love for a cappella music, their social clubs – GATA and Frater Sodalis – and each other. Their marriage in 1947 was the beginning of a lifetime of service and leadership to the university. Both were known for their leadership roles, including Ray’s service of almost 40 years on the Board of Trustees, including 11 years as chair. Kay was a founding and longtime member of the Women for ACU, and she supported the Alumni Board, Brown Library, women of GATA social club, the “W” Club, and the women’s basketball and softball programs. Each has been recognized for their service to the university and society at large with some of ACU’s highest honors: Kay with a Distinguished Alumni Citation in 1974, and Ray as Outstanding Alumnus of the Year in 1976. Kay died in 2017, leaving a legacy of prayer and relationships that will far outlive her. The Kay and Ray McGlothlin Women’s Basketball Team Suite has been provided to encourage the women’s basketball program at ACU to carry on this couple’s great family tradition of service and friendship.
The Morris Family Men’s Basketball Team Suite was made possible by a gift from Tommy (’55) and Martha (Smith ’58) Morris.
Tommy and Martha have supported ACU throughout their lives and are iconic members of one of the most beloved and deep-rooted families in Wildcat history. Tommy is a former ACU athlete, trustee of the university, and son of the late Dr. Don H. Morris (’24), ACU’s seventh president who served ACU for more than 40 years. Don H. Morris and his cousin, A.B. Morris, pursued undergraduate degrees at Abilene Christian College and Texas A&M University, respectively, but each saw their life’s work united on the Hill in Abilene. In 1940, Don became the first graduate of ACU to be named its president and 29 years later, in 1969, the first person to serve as chancellor. Known widely as a gifted preacher and teacher, consummate public relations professional, dedicated church leader and influential fundraiser, he championed the role of athletics in the life of his alma mater, sending Wildcat teams across the nation to compete and raise visibility for the institution he led. A.B., a standout quarterback and baseball player for the Aggies, came to ACU in 1924, serving as director of athletics for 58 years and coaching multiple sports. No two men had more influence over the early growth and success of intercollegiate athletics at Abilene Christian than the Morris cousins, Don and A.B. Don’s son, Tommy, was a three-sport letterman for the Wildcats and, like A.B., an inductee to the ACU Sports Hall of Fame. Tommy and Martha are known for giving generously to others for the betterment of the university, the church and the community.
The Jayne and Doug Orr Practice Gymnasium recognizes Doug (’83) and Jayne (Montgomery ’83) Orr.
Jayne and Doug are making their mark in the world as Christian servant leaders, following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents. Early in the life of Abilene Christian College, Madge Lewis (’27) became the first member of her family to attend ACC. There she met Frank Etter Sr. (’27). Madge and Frank’s ACC story, and their commitment to Christian education, forever changed the trajectory of their family. Their son, Don (’55), began the second generation of ACC students, followed by his siblings, Patsy (’54) and Frank Jr. (’58). Patsy met and married Rob Orr (’52), the youngest of the four Orr brothers: Forrest (’38), Graham (’40) and Dub (’50). Their sons, Doug and Jim (’86), carried on this great tradition by marrying ACU alumnae Jayne (Montgomery ‘83) and Elaine (Rainwater ’87). Jayne and Doug have been blessed with five children who, along with many of their spouses, graduated from Abilene Christian. Their hope is for future generations of their family to continue the Orr legacy. The Jayne and Doug Orr Practice Gymnasium is dedicated space for the Wildcat basketball and volleyball teams to use as they prepare for intercollegiate competition.
— Wendy Kilmer
August 29, 2022