HCU Hosts Topping Off Ceremony for Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building

Houston Christian University (HCU) hosted a special topping off ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, marking the completion of the structural phase of the Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building, a multidisciplinary state-of-the art building that will expand space and learning opportunities for the next generation of STEM and nursing professionals.

In his opening remarks, HCU President Robert Sloan reflected on the steady progress of the project and described the sounds of ongoing construction as "music to our ears" before thanking members of the construction and design teams for their work on the multi-million dollar construction project.

"Today's topping-off ceremony marks a major milestone-about the halfway point of this remarkable project. We're on schedule, blessed with good weather, and supported by an extraordinary construction team whose hard work we celebrate today. From the first beep of the trucks to this moment, their dedication has brought us steadily toward the finish line, and we are deeply grateful," said Dr. Sloan.

Slated to open in Fall 2026, the building will be home to innovative laboratory and learning spaces for the College of Science and Engineering and the Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing as HCU fulfills its goal of preparing students for high-demand careers in the fields of STEM and nursing.

Dr. Sloan expressed appreciation to HCU Board of Trustees and the many individuals and foundations that made the construction project possible, before offering a dedicatory prayer to express appreciation for the workers and their families.

"We pray that we would fulfill our mission to be a great place of faith and learning for the students who come our way. Lord, we are grateful for the many blessings you've given to us. We thank you for the Smiths. We thank you for the Dunhams. We thank you for Esther Wong. We thank you for so many who have contributed so generously," said Dr. Sloan.

"Lord, I thank you for these workers and their families. I thank you for the work that they do, their skilled craftsmanship and their labor, intensity, diligence and perseverance."

At the close of the ceremony, those in attendance were invited to take part in the traditional signing of the beam to commemorate the occasion.

"Behind me is the final beam of this remarkable structure, and I invite everyone here today to add their signatures to it. As we mark this milestone, we also pause to ask for the Lord's blessing on the work being done here and on all that this building will make possible," concluded Dr. Sloan.

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About Houston Christian University

For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation's largest metropolitan centers, HCU's culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.