Dr. David Hon. ’25 and Lee Hon. ’25 Russell opened the door to a trove of Columbia College treasures on Thursday, April 23, in Missouri Hall.
The College’s recently retired 18th President and former First Lady cut the ribbon to the CC Heritage Center during a dedication of the new space named in their honor – a result of their vision, generosity and shared love of history.
“We are just thrilled to death to have this be here for everybody,” said Lee Russell.
Following a short program in the Missouri Hall lobby, more than 100 attendees filed upstairs to check out the center for the first time.
The inaugural exhibits feature the graduating Class of 1854, renowned alumna Jane Froman Smith 1926, famed Tuskegee Airman Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee ’78, and Dr. Russell himself, who led the institution from 2021 to 2026.
“Columbia College is an artifact of its own, and yet we have not had all of the channels needed to take advantage of that and make sure the rest of the community realizes what a gem they have here in Columbia,” Dr. Russell said. “This center will preserve the College’s past for future generations while telling the stories of those who have passed through Rogers Gate.”
The newly formed advisory committee for the center will include Penny Pitman ’65, Carol Ann Peck Hon. ’24 and Professor of History Dr. Brad Lookingbill.
The idea for the CC Heritage Center was born out of the need for more room to display and honor both Christian College and Columbia College history, and the opportunity to find a new purpose for beautiful open space in Missouri Hall.
“Originally Missouri Hall served as student housing, but today it houses administrative offices, including the Grossnickle Career Services Center, Human Resources and the Admissions office, making this the first building most prospective students see when they visit main campus,” said Dr. Dave Roberts, Vice President for Student Experience and Dean of Students.
There is such an abundance of archival material that displays will be changed every six months, said Archivist Courtney Gillie ’16.
The center will continually highlight the College’s mission of providing educational opportunity: first to women, then to military-affiliated learners, first-generation students and those pursuing their studies through Online Education.
“When people ask me what I do, I tell them it’s like getting handed a puzzle in a box, every day,” said Gillie, who began work on the project last November. “Archives are full of pieces, but without the careful description of an archivist, we don’t know what the puzzle is supposed to make. … That is what I come to work for every day, to put together the puzzle.”
Dr. Toby Arquette, Columbia College’s 19th President, expressed his appreciation to the Russells for establishing a center that brings the institution’s traditions to life.
“This center serves an important purpose at a pivotal point for our institution,” Arquette said. “While honoring the legacy of the College, it also anchors our launch into CC’s next chapter, for which the Russells have helped to lay a strong foundation.
“It provides a moment of reflection at an inflection – 175 years behind us, another 175 ahead.”
Click here to make a celebratory gift toward the CC Heritage Center.
