Samford University dedicated two first-year residence halls in honor of civil rights pioneer Audrey Lattimore Gaston Howard and philanthropist Marvin L. Mann, weaving their legacies into the daily rhythm of campus life.
The new suite-style student housing features a combined 511 beds and caps a $300 million phase of transformative on-campus construction.
The four-story west building housing female students was dedicated Friday as Audrey Lattimore Gaston Hall in tribute to the woman who in 1967 became Samford’s first full-time African American student.
After earning her law degree in 1970, she became the first woman appointed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southeast. She later was appointed courts liaison adviser to the National Criminal Justice Commission, and in 1975 joined the staff of U. S. Rep. John Buchanan of Alabama. Gaston died in 1989.
Samford President Beck A. Taylor called the dedication a powerful reminder of Gaston’s legacy “and the doors she opened for so many.”
The east building for male students was dedicated in honor of Mann, the esteemed alumnus and benefactor whose $100 million donation to Samford in 2022 represented the largest single gift ever made to a higher education institution in the state of Alabama.
Mann, a Birmingham native and 1954 Samford graduate, worked three-plus decades with IBM before helping found Lexmark International, Inc. where he served as chief executive officer and chairman. Mann died in 2022, earmarking $95 million of his endowment to provide generations of scholarships—“a generosity that continues to shape Samford’s future,” Taylor said.
Adjacent to the Gaston and Mann residence halls sits a vibrant new green space that was dedicated Crider Commons, honoring distinguished Samford alumnus Todd Crider.
Crider served as student body president and graduated magna cum laude in 1987 with a bachelor’s in international relations. He became Samford’s 2006 Alumnus of the Year and currently serves on the advisory board of Howard College of Arts and Sciences.
The $300 million opening phase of the university’s master plan—named Samford Horizons—includes a reimagined dining hall, two new sorority houses, a recently completed parking deck, creative outdoor spaces, and the 165,000-square-foot Campus Recreation, Wellness & Athletics Complex. All projects were completed on schedule and under budget, adding amenities to serve a record-breaking enrollment that reached 6,324 students this semester.
“It is our privilege to stand with you to catch a vision of what this university can become,” said Karon Bowdre, chair of the university’s board of trustees.
Taylor thanked trustees who approved the Samford Horizons plans in 2022 and “became champions for a bold vision to enhance the on-campus experience for students.”
Quotes from the dedication
“We recognize this day was made possible by the passion of those who imagined, the faith of those who approved, the sacrifices of those who gave, and the tireless labor of those who built. For all who invested their hearts and skills into this vision, we are deeply thankful.” — Samford president Beck A. Taylor
“It is already evident how these facilities positively impact our residence life programs, as we are committed to providing a comfortable place not only to rest and refresh, but also to study and grow personally, socially, emotionally and spiritually. A residence hall is often an individual’s first home away from home, and residents begin to discover a sense of family beyond their own, chosen friends with connections that can last a lifetime.” — Phil Kimrey, vice president for student affairs
“Mr. Mann has left a legacy that stands as a testament to his lifelong commitment to education, ethics and leadership.” — Betsy Bugg Holloway, vice president for advancement and marketing
“Heavenly Father, we dedicate these new halls to your glory and your purpose. Thank you for providing a college home. We pray this place will be filled with your presence, bringing peace, shelter, and growth. … We pray for relationships that will be formed here. May this be a place of deep conversations, warm laughter, and joyful encouragement. … Lord, make this place a sanctuary for rest and safety. A place where faith is strengthened and your grace is shown.” — Lauren Taylor, associate vice president for campus and residential life
