Alumni returning to campus this month for Homecoming will find Collins Hall looking a little different, as the 65-year-old residence hall is closed this year while undergoing its first major renovation since opening its doors in 1957.
At Move-In next fall, the Class of 2027 will be welcomed to a new main entrance from 7th Street (seen in the rendering above), renovated rooms, a faculty-in-residence suite, and a grand lobby in which students can gather.
To mark this historic renovation, former Collins residents are invited to share their favorite memories and moments from their time living in the hall. Those submissions will be literally integrated into the renovation itself to preserve the stories of the students who helped shape its legacy. [Click here to share your Collins memory.]
Bears can also leave their mark on the renovation by purchasing a brick that will pave the new entrance from 7th Street as Collins opens its doors again to the next generation of Baylor Bears. [Click here to learn more or to purchase your brick.]
A brief history: In 1957, Collins Hall opened as an all-female residence hall. It was named in honor of Ruth Woodall Collins, wife of Baylor Trustee and benefactor Carr. P. Collins. Ruth graduated from what is now Texas State University and was a teacher before her marriage; after the wedding, the Collinses moved to Dallas, where they became very active in civic activities and their church. They also became long-time supporters of Baylor, making large contributions to the school over the years, including $1.8 million for the construction of what would become Collins Hall. When it opened, it was the largest building in Waco — with twice the square footage of the ALICO building — and it remains the tallest residence hall on campus.
Original source can be found here.
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