By Shawn Williams – Editor
L-R Paul Quinn Board Chairman Bob Weiss, President Michael Sorrell, and Trammell S. Crow
On Thursday, Paul Quinn College received a financial boost from a local philanthropist to further their comeback efforts. Trammell S. Crow donated $1 million to the Dallas school which will be used to demolish 13 empty buildings on campus.
Aerial look at Paul Quinn College shows vacant buildings in red
Crow has been involved with the school prior to Thursday’s press conference and check presentation. Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell said that it was Crow who “planted the seed” (in the form of an idea) for a community garden on campus. That garden is now a farm growing on what used to be the Tigers’ football field.
When Mr. Crow took the microphone, he acknowledged the true origin of the gift. “This million dollars represents my daddy’s money,” Crow said, “I say that because today would have been his birthday.”
Most of the abandoned buildings to be demolished line the front of the campus facing Houston School Road. Not only have they been a drag on the school, but the surrounding community, whose members often complained to code enforcement.
Once the buildings are brought down, they will be replaced with a floral park and fitness space which is being called The Playing Fields of Paul Quinn. The Playing Fields will include areas for soccer, lacrosse, and a walking track. A&R Demolition will be in charge of the teardown. They also brought down Reunion Arena in Dallas and Texas Stadium in Irving.
Junior Patrick Hillard represented Paul Quinn students at the podium and did so quite well. He said you can’t judge a book by its cover, but acknowledged that it’s usually the prettier books that are read first. He later reflected on those who left Paul Quinn for dead this time last year. “People coming into last year doubted us,” Hillard said, “today we smile on those who left us and doubted.”
When Sorrell opened the floor for questions, he bristled when someone asked whether the million dollar gift would help Paul Quinn “get into the black.” Sorrell quickly responded that the school operated at a $500,000 surplus last school year, and plans for an $800,000 surplus in 2010-2011. “We pay as we go,” Sorrell said to a thunderous applause from a room full of students, alumni, staff and residents gathered at John Hurst Adams Administration Building.
Dallas City Council member Tennell Atkins said to see how well Paul Quinn is doing these days, you only have to look at the beautiful landscaping that now lines the campus. “This community is not dead,” Atkins said, “it’s living.”
Mr. Crow agreed with that assessment. “I truly believe that there will be brighter days very, very soon,” said Crow. By all accounts, Thursday was itself a bright day for Paul Quinn College and its students.
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