LSCO Breaks Ground on New Student Success Center
February 13, 2024
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Student Success Center on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The historic former First Baptist Church of Orange will undergo extensive renovations to become LSCO's Student Success Center, a comprehensive hub designed to streamline the enrollment process and support students through their educational journeys.
The Student Success Center will house members from the departments of Student Services, Financial Aid, Admissions, Recruiting, and Advising. Completion of the project is anticipated in the Fall 2024.
The First Baptist Church of Orange was built in 1913 and has sustained heavy damages after numerous hurricanes. In 2021, the building was gifted to LSCO by the Stark Foundation. “The fact that this structure is still here today is in large part due to the efforts of the Stark Foundation and their dedication to restoring and maintaining this historic structure” said Daniel McLemore, Director of Marketing Communications.
Funds from a Legislative Appropriations Request of over $6 million to the state’s 88th Legislative Session were granted to restore the facility shaping the future of the college. “We’re growing by leaps and bounds,” said Dade Phelan, District 21 Texas State Representative and 76th Speaker of the Texas House. “We love our students here and are looking forward to the next generation to walk through these doors.
Architects and contractors have approached the project with utmost care to preserve the building's historical prominence by retaining elements such as the stained-glass windows and the building's landmark exterior.
“This moment represents a crucial step forward in our shared vision of transforming lives at LSCO,” said Dr. Thomas Johnson, President of Lamar State College Orange. “I’m thrilled to celebrate this exciting development and embrace the opportunities it brings for our college.”
Among those helping LSCO President Dr. Tom Johnson break ground were Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Dade Phelan, LSCO's Provost & Executive Vice President Dr. Wendy Elmore, Dean of Student Services Brian Hull, LSCO's Vice President for Finance & Operations Mary Wickland, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Stark Foundation Tad McKee, Chief Executive Officer of G&G Enterprises Natasha Garrett, and more members of the community.