BEAUMONT – Lamar University dedicated its new three-story Wayne A. Reaud Building last month in a ceremony that included university faculty, staff, students, administrators and community members.
Named after its main benefactor, the new building contains administrative offices, including human resources, information technology, marketing, and institutional research and reporting, Lamar University said in a press release. It also features an event center and the Reaud Honors College, which is located on the ground level. Out of 1,300 university employees, Lamar reports about 100 work in the building.
Reaud graduated from Lamar in 1971 with a degree in political science. He is a well-known civil lawyer, the founder of Reaud, Morgan & Quinn, as well as a “generous benefactor to the university,” the university said in the release. Reaud also served as Lamar Regent from 1985 to 1995 and established the Albert E. and Gena Reaud Scholarship valued at $1.6 million. He also endows 16 Texas Legends Scholarships through the Beaumont Foundation.
Reaud was among those who spoke at the dedication.
“I want you all to know that you don't need magic to change the world,” Reaud said, addressing students at the dedication, according to the university. “All of the power we need we can find within ourselves. But we do need education. When we combine this inner strength with quality education, we truly can change the world.”
Others who spoke at the dedication included Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall, Lamar University President Ken Evans, honors graduate Kristeen Reynolds and Jon Huntsman Sr.
“Mr. Wayne Reaud is one of Lamar University’s most ardent and generous supporters,” Evans said in a press release. “His philanthropy is legendary, with his impact extending across educational and public service organizations throughout the state of Texas, most specifically in our community.”
The Wayne A. Reaud Building is the first new academic building on campus in four decades, James Marquart, provost and vice president for academic affairs said in the press release.
“It is an absolute game changer in terms of appearance and facilities,” Marquart said.
Marquart said the Reaud Building creates a fantastic learning environment and will help the university attract the very best students.
“The state-of-the-art classrooms for our honors students, new conference room to showcase speakers and host events, and facilities for campus Information technology make this multi-use building a wonderful addition to this side of the campus,” Marquart said in the release.
The Reaud Building is at the south end of the Lamar University campus across from the almost-complete Center for Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship. The Reaud Building and the CICE will help create a stunning new entrance to the campus, Evans said in a press release.
“Soon, construction will be underway for new on and off ramps from the highway directly to Rolfe Christopher Drive. This is now the gateway to Lamar University, and that happened because of this building,” Evans said.
Lamar University said the Reaud Honors College will host the annual Great Plains Honors Council conference March 31 to April 2, which will bring student leaders from six states to Southeast Texas and to the new facility.