The Troy University Alumni Association is celebrating one of the newest additions to the Troy Campus with its 2024 Christmas ornament.
The ornament, which is now available for purchase, features Jones Hall, which will be the home to the University’s College of Health Sciences. The building, which is scheduled to be completed this fall, is named in honor of TROY alumnus and Crowne Health President Billy Jones and his wife Frances. Jones Hall includes lab space for exercise science, biomechanics, and movement education, simulation and lab spaces for the School of Nursing, and increased classroom spaces, and will serve as a catalyst for learning and research in the field of health sciences.
Now in its 25th year of production, the alumni Christmas ornament has become a prized annual addition to the decorations of Trojan alumni and friends. Designed for the TROY Alumni Association by Beacon Designs, the ornaments depict special moments throughout the University’s history. Previous ornaments have featured Sorrell Chapel, the Sound of the South marching band, TROY’s longstanding service to the military, the opening of Trojan Arena, the North End Zone addition to Veterans Memorial Stadium, the celebration of Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.’s 30th year as Chancellor and the newly renovated Riddle-Pace Field.
Dr. Hawkins surprised Billy and Frances Jones with the ornament during the Monroe County Alumni Chapter’s scholarship fundraising dinner on July 23 at the Vanity Fair Golf Club in Monroeville.
“I believe there are no better people in the world than Billy and Frances Jones,” Dr. Hawkins said. “Billy is a TROY alum and has been very generous in his support of TROY. For 25 years, we have had a special Christmas ornament, but I think this one that celebrates Jones Hall really holds a special place on a Christmas tree.”
Mrs. Janice Hawkins, First Lady of Troy University, said the Joneses have built a legacy that will benefit TROY students for years to come.
“I was breathless when I went into that building, and I’ve never had that happen before,” Mrs. Hawkins said. “It is so impressive and so magnificent, and I’m excited about the building opening. I’m proud of the Jones’ and what they have done for TROY. It truly is a tremendous legacy.”
Billy Jones said he was “very surprised” to see the building featured as this year’s ornament, and he hopes that the building will help TROY continue to produce quality nurses and health workers.
“I really hope that this building helps to prepare nurses and other health workers,” Jones said. “There is such a shortage right now that we have trouble finding employees. There is a shortage of nurses in this country, and I hope that this new building with all it includes helps in training nurses and health workers to fill those gaps.”
Faith Byrd, Director of Alumni Affairs, said the ornaments provide an opportunity to highlight important events in the life of the University.
“We are so excited to be able to feature Jones Hall as this year’s ornament and to pay tribute to the generosity and support shown by Billy and Frances Jones,” Byrd said. “This year marks the 30th anniversary of the College of Health Sciences at TROY, and the School of Nursing has an even longer history of preparing quality graduates that make a difference in the field of healthcare in Alabama and beyond. Jones Hall is a beautiful addition to our campus that will have a lasting impact for our students.”
During the event, Byrd also commended the Monroe County Alumni Chapter for its commitment to providing scholarships for deserving students. The chapter was chartered in 2016 and has since raised $38,000 for scholarships. In 2023, the Monroe County Chapter became the 10th chapter to endow a scholarship.
The event featured remarks from Dr. Hawkins, who told the gathering about recent developments at the University, including TROY being designated as a doctoral university by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. The instructional role change will enable TROY to offer additional doctoral degree programs, paving the University’s continued maturation as a research institution, Dr. Hawkins said.
Others participating in the program were: Monroe County Chapter President Cedric G. Hollinger, Incoming Troy University Alumni Association President Judge Jack B. Weaver, Director of Athletics Brent Jones and Sarah Baker Barnhardt, the chapter’s first scholarship recipient in 2017.
The ornament can be purchased for $20. To purchase this year’s ornament or previous ornaments, visit the Troy University Alumni Association website at troy.edu/alumni or contact the Alumni Affairs Office at 334-670-3318.
See more photos from the Monroe County Alumni Chapter event at: https://troyuniversity.photoshelter.com/galleries/C00003WLH3UtGd40/G0000hrPv5z0jJHA/UP-20240723-Monroe-County-Al-A-Ellis-31-Jul-24.
