Facility to be named the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center
When Missouri State University’s new “front door” opens in fall 2015, it will be due in large part to a significant gift from Warren and Anne Davis and their family. In recognition of the gift, the building will be named the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center.
“Our family is honored to have the opportunity to make this gift to Missouri State,” Davis said. “We are excited about the direction the university is going and this gift is a way for us to help the institution fulfill its mission.”
Davis Properties began in 1994 with the purchase of the Woodruff and McDaniel office buildings in downtown Springfield. From that start, Davis Properties went on to become one of the largest property owners in downtown Springfield, after acquiring the Heers building and other Park Central office buildings. Over the last 20 years, Davis Properties has grown and significantly diversified its holdings.
Davis’ daughter, Kim, and her husband, real estate developer Patrick Harrington, a 1997 graduate of Missouri State, echoed Davis’ sentiments. “My wife and I are very proud and excited about all of the recent changes to the university,” Harrington said. “We feel the welcome center is a great addition to the expanding landscape of the campus.”
The welcome center is under construction at the corner of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard. This new facility will include a welcoming lobby, offices, conference room, a 100-seat auditorium and restrooms. For many students, it will be their first impression of the university as it will provide a gathering place for prospective students.
“We very much appreciate this generous gift from Warren and Anne Davis, and Patrick and Kim Harrington,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart. “The Davis-Harrington Welcome Center will provide a stunning first impression of the university as it welcomes many generations of future Missouri State students to campus.”
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