TCU has officially announced establishment of the John V. Roach Honors College, supplanting the Honors Program founded 46 years ago. Funded by a $2.5 million contribution from Paul and Judy Andrews of Fort Worth, the endowed gift pays tribute to their friend, longtime Fort Worth civic leader, businessman and former chairman of the TCU Board of Trustees John Roach.
Both Roach and his wife, Jean, are graduates of TCU and have been integrally involved with the University for many years — Jean as consummate volunteer and John as Board chairman for 15 years. They have been principal donors to the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center, the Lupton Baseball Stadium, the Schollmaier Basketball Practice Facility and the Tucker Technology Center. They also are known as benefactors to KinderFrogs School. Endowed scholarships bear both Jean and John’s names, as do endowed chairs in the M.J. Neeley School of Business and the School of Education. Their daughters, Amy and Lori, are following in their parents’ footsteps as graduates of TCU and supporters of the University.
The John V. Roach Honors College will have its academic offices, as well as a classroom, student gathering spaces and a classic debate chamber, housed in Scharbauer Hall, slated to open in January 2010.
The College is currently recruiting its first freshman class for fall 2009 and will begin operation in August. All majors are eligible for the Honors College: Those who complete all Honors requirements will graduate from their home college as well as the Honors College.
Starting in the fall of 2010, Honors students will live in a completely renovated Milton Daniel dormitory. This residence hall will include quality housing for freshmen on the first and second floors, beautiful common areas, study pods, a library, and a small outdoor amphitheatre. Sophomore, junior and senior Honors students will have an opportunity to live in private rooms on the third floor, and thus serve as mentors to incoming freshmen. The third floor features the grouping of rooms into communities, a large common area that overlooks the Campus Commons, and areas for studying and socializing.
The academic strength of the College lies in offering small, discussion-based classes, a focus on world cultures that mirrors TCU’s mission statement, and outstanding opportunities for undergraduate research in a student’s major or advanced interdisciplinary study in small colloquium classes.
Dr. Peggy Watson, Associate Professor of Spanish and current Director of the Honors Program, has accepted a three-year appointment as Dean. She will oversee the transition of the Honors Program to the Honors College.
