The Stophel Center of Bryan College will hold its grand opening on Friday at 4 p.m. The Center is named in honor of long-time supporters Glenn and Jackie Stophel, former Chattanooga residents.
Glenn Stophel served as a member of the Bryan College Board from 1978 to 1986 and again from 1992 to 2010. He served as chairman of the Board from 1996 to 2003 and also served as legal counsel to the College. Presently, Mr. Stophel serves as trustee emeritus in honor of his many years of service to the College.
Mr. Stophel has not only provided leadership and support to Bryan College but also to the entire Chattanooga community. He currently serves as president and director of the Clifton and Clara Ward Foundation, president and director of the Joe and Velma DeWitt Foundation, and president and director of the Weldon F. Osborne Foundation. He is past president of the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga, past chairman of the National Center for Youth Issues, former member of the Chattanooga Rotary Club and has served on many other non-profit boards. He previously served as a member of the House of Delegates of the Tennessee Bar Association and was appointed by President Gerald Ford as a member of the first Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation.
Mr. Stophel received his J.D., from The University of Tennessee College of Law and his B.S. degree from Bob Jones University. He is a member of the Chattanooga Bar Association and formerly a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, State Bar of Georgia, and the American Bar Association.
Bryan College Board Chair Delana Bice said, "Mr. Stophel has provided invaluable leadership over the last four decades to Bryan College. He has led by example, remained constant, consistent and committed to what was always in the best interest of the College. It is with great appreciation that we honor Glenn and Jackie Stophel."
President Stephen Livesay noted, “We are pleased to honor both Glenn and Jackie Stophel and look forward to welcoming visitors to our campus at the center that bears their name."
The Stophel Center is a two-story building that encompasses 18,000 square feet and is located at the top of the new entrance, making it the first building to greet arriving guests to the campus. The building is home to 25 offices including Admissions, Advancement, Marketing and Executive Offices, as well as a banquet facility.
The grand pening ceremony will be held at the Stophel Center at 4 p.m. Friday. It will be the first event of the 2019 Homecoming weekend of the College.