LeTourneau University Development

Sometimes, a lasting relationship begins with one conversation.

In 2010, Sidney Allen reflected on the first time LeTourneau caught his attention. At a Greggton Rotary Club meeting, LETU engineering student David Eaton gave a presentation about LEGS, a student project developing low-cost prosthetic legs for amputees in the developing world.

Sidney was intrigued enough to visit campus and see the students’ work for himself. What he saw led to his first gift to LeTourneau, supporting the LEGS program. From there, Sidney and his wife, Anna Lee, continued investing in the university, including support for the Belcher Center.

But their story didn’t stop there.

The Allens eventually established an endowed nursing scholarship, creating support designed to benefit LeTourneau students for generations. Sidney’s motivation was rooted in both student opportunity and the needs of the Longview community.

It’s a great reminder that generosity often begins by simply seeing the mission up close.

One student presentation. One campus visit. One first gift. And an impact that continues far beyond that moment.

That’s what building with purpose can look like.

At LeTourneau, learning has never been confined to a textbook.

One of the priorities of the Build with Purpose campaign is to Deliver Premier Lab Experiences—creating and equipping spaces where students can move from theory to practice, test ideas, solve problems, and develop the skills they’ll carry into their professions.

From aviation and engineering to science, health sciences, and technology, hands-on learning is a defining part of the LeTourneau experience.

Projects taking shape across campus are helping strengthen that tradition and prepare the next generation of students to learn with both their minds and their hands.

There is still an opportunity to help equip the spaces where that learning happens.

Support Build with Purpose: https://www.letu.edu/development/build/priority-christian-identity.html

It's amazing to see the Christian Polytechnic University Center foundation taking shape, with plenty happening both above and below ground.

Crews are advancing earthwork and underground utilities, while electrical and plumbing rough-ins, elevator pits, and foundations continue. General grading is now 85% complete, and work is also progressing on stormwater lines, the west water line, column footers, the main electrical duct bank, and fiber conduit.

And a lot of dirt has been moved along the way: more than 14,600 cubic yards of earth have been hauled out, along with more than 1,500 tons of rock received and nearly 470 cubic yards of concrete placed to date.

Looking ahead, crews will continue work on concrete foundations, electrical and data duct banks, fire lanes, plumbing rough-ins, underground fire water, and sanitary sewer installation.

Each step is laying the groundwork for a space that will serve LeTourneau students for generations to come.

Thank you to everyone whose generosity is helping Build with Purpose. More updates to come.

In the mid-1990s, LeTourneau was looking ahead.

The Solheim Recreation and Activity Center was described as a cornerstone project—one intended to expand service to students, strengthen outreach to the community, and help attract future generations of YellowJackets.

That vision was closely tied to John Solheim (MT ’64), LeTourneau’s 1995 Alumnus of the Year. In addition to his leadership at Karsten Manufacturing, John served on the University’s Board of Trustees and played an important role in the development and funding of the new Solheim Center. He also helped support LeTourneau Aviation through aircraft donations and encouraged alumni engagement in Phoenix.

What was once a rendering and a plan became a place that has served students for decades.

That’s one of the remarkable things about giving to LeTourneau: today’s investment can become tomorrow’s campus landmark, student experience, or opportunity. There’s more to come.
https://www.letu.edu/development/build/index.html

Then and now, we’re still Building with Purpose.

In the mid-1990s, LeTourneau was looking ahead.

The Solheim Recreation and Activity Center was described as a cornerstone project—one intended to expand service to students, strengthen outreach to the community, and help attract future generations of YellowJackets.

That vision was closely tied to John Solheim (MT ’64), LeTourneau’s 1995 Alumnus of the Year. In addition to his leadership at Karsten Manufacturing, John served on the University’s Board of Trustees and played an important role in the development and funding of the new Solheim Center. He also helped support LeTourneau Aviation through aircraft donations and encouraged alumni engagement in Phoenix.

What was once a rendering and a plan became a place that has served students for decades.

That’s one of the remarkable things about giving to LeTourneau: today’s investment can become tomorrow’s campus landmark, student experience, or opportunity. There's more to come.
https://www.letu.edu/development/build/index.html

Then and now, we’re still Building with Purpose.

Concrete progress continues at Abbott Aviation.

The hangar slab is now poured, elevator walls are underway, and crews are continuing work on stem walls, piers, and preparation for the classroom slab-on-grade. V***r barrier and wire mesh installation are also moving forward as the next phase takes shape.

Over the next few weeks, work is expected to include classroom and corridor concrete placement, building pad expansion joints, and installation of helical piers for the Outdoor Learning Lab.

We look forward to continued progress!

Thank you to everyone whose generosity is helping keep this project moving forward.

Concrete progress continues at Abbott Aviation.

The hangar slab is now poured, elevator walls are underway, and crews are continuing work on stem walls, piers, and preparation for the classroom slab-on-grade. V***r barrier and wire mesh installation are also moving forward as the next phase takes shape.

Over the next few weeks, work is expected to include classroom and corridor concrete placement, building pad expansion joints, and installation of helical piers for the Outdoor Learning Lab.

We look forward to continued progress!

Thank you to everyone whose generosity is helping keep this project moving forward.

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor those who responded with extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service.

Twenty-five years later, the memory of that day still calls us to something deeper—to value life, to serve others faithfully, and to hold tightly to the hope we have in Christ.

We remember those who grieved, those who served, and those whose lives were forever changed.

We remember. We pray.

“Earthmoving progress” has a long history at LeTourneau.

In a 1970s-era reflection, R.G. LeTourneau looked back on the development of the Tournapull, recalling that people initially laughed at the idea of putting the engine out front and using rubber tires. What seemed unusual at the time eventually became an approach other manufacturers adopted.

He was still experimenting decades later, describing a new single-wheel “Tugpull” designed to lead a line of scraper units with a tighter turning radius and improved balance.

That willingness to keep building, testing, and moving forward feels especially fitting today.

Crews are once again moving dirt on campus as groundwork continues for the Christian Polytechnic University Center, and this fall’s Homecoming & Family Weekend theme, Still Moving, celebrates that same spirit of faith, ingenuity, and forward motion.

R.G. closed his reflection with words that still resonate: “Faith without works is dead.” For LeTourneau, faith and work have always belonged together.

Then and now, we’re still moving—and still building with purpose.
letu.edu/homecoming