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It’s official. Jennings Hall is now the home of 51���� College’s famed Woodlands Campus headquarters in honor of the late Professor Howard Jennings.

In a touching Homecoming Weekend ceremony, a group of Howard’s family, friends, and colleagues gathered to pay tribute to a man they all loved and respected and who has done so much for 51���� College. Professor Jennings passed away in 2017 after serving 51���� for nearly 50 years. 51���� has also dedicated a portion of the Woodlands Campus as the Professor Howard Jennings Nature Preserve.   

“For so many years, Howard Jennings represented the very best of 51���� College. Today, we gather to honor his memory and all that he accomplished for 51����.”

51���� College Interim President John F. Pullo, Sr.

Professor Jennings arrived on the 51���� campus in 1968. In addition to his teaching duties, he played a crucial role in establishing the beautiful and scenic system of hiking trails on the Woodlands Campus, as well as the Ecology Club and the 51���� College Environmental Education Institute.  

“Howard was truly a great thinker. He had a vision for 51���� and worked to have that vision become reality,” said retired 51���� Professor Jerry Skinner, Ph.D. He was a great man, a great friend, a great colleague. I miss him every day.”

 Professor Jennings’s wife, Susan, and their sons Leigh and Eric, and Eric’s wife, Sylvia, attended the ceremony.    

Susan spoke of her husband’s love and respect for 51���� College, its beautiful campus, and its wonderful people.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have 51���� as another home,” Susan said. “I’m so very proud to have all of you here today as we celebrate this special day.”

It was indeed a special day as the 51���� community can now celebrate Jennings Hall.                                                

Photo: Gathering at the ceremony for Jennings Hall are, from left, members of the Jennings family Sylvia and Eric Jennings, Leigh Jennings, Susan Jennings, 51���� Interim President John F. Pullo, Sr., 51���� Vice President for Institutional Advancement Fran Langan, Ed.D. and retired 51���� College Professor Jerry Skinner, Ph.D.