The study of American history has a new home at Houston Christian University (HCU), formerly Houston Baptist University, as the 60-plus-year-old private, faith-based institution recently celebrated the opening of the Morris Family Center for Law and Liberty.
The multi-million dollar, 38,305-square-foot complex, funded by a lead gift from university founder Dr. Stewart Morris, Sr., and his family, is dedicated to bringing a greater appreciation of America’s history and founding principles. The main building, modeled after Philadelphia's iconic Independence Hall, allows faculty to bring history to life in a unique and innovative way as students and visitors gain insight into America’s history through the lens of the nation’s founding fathers.
In addition to bringing history to life, the multi-purpose complex will also serve as the new home to HCU's McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise with the support of The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation. The administrative building will provide a dedicated space to “give HCU students first-hand experience of the innovative methods that make us truly American,” says McNair Center Director Brenda Rios Brombacher.
The move enables the university to achieve one of its strategic goals, connecting with the marketplace as well as igniting the entrepreneurial spirit that lives within HCU students, faculty and staff. Brombacher’s goal is to educate students on the foundations of entrepreneurial leadership and free enterprise and to teach and model the principles of pursuing the American dream.
“It is in this dream for prosperity and success, achieved through hard work, that HCU remains steadfast in the traditions of Christian education and igniting tomorrow’s leaders,” said Brombacher.
The HCU McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise, one of five in the nation, is being led by the first Latina director in the center’s history. In her new role, Brombacher is committed to transforming the charge of innovation through new initiatives and offerings that empower a new generation of entrepreneurs in a recognized and growing Latino-serving institution.
The foundation of innovation in the U.S. began when America’s founders envisioned a country where “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” as reflected in the Declaration of Independence.
“HCU’s McNair Center is positioned to invest in the great potential of our students and community by providing the tools and ideals to pursue their dreams and make their business ventures a reality. We want our students at HCU to understand these principles are important and relevant to their futures and that everyone can definitely achieve their dreams,” said Brombacher.
Chris Hammons, Ph.D., director of the Morris Law & Liberty Center, will guide the mission of educating visitors on the principles that make America an exceptional nation and training and equipping teachers, lawyers and the business community to articulate and defend the nation’s founding principles. He also aims to facilitate civil discourse among diverse groups about politics, public policy and the future of the U.S.
Hammons' message to students and visitors to the multi-faceted complex is that "no matter what you look like, where you are from or who your parents are, the U.S. provides more opportunity for personal growth and advancement than any other nation in the world because of its foundation in the rule of law, its commitment to individual liberty and the benefits of a free market system."
At HCU, students can pursue their academic goals in a prestigious and rigorous learning environment in Houston and also grow in faith to have a profound spiritual impact on the world and enter the workforce ready to influence others while upholding their Christian worldview. In an ever-changing environment, HCU is proud to uphold the faith-based traditions and values that make this nation strong as it continues to lead by example.
