By Mallory Schlabach, Editor in Chief

Senator Troy Fraser (Horseshoe Bay) and Jim Epperson, president of AT&T Texas, flew to Abilene Thursday afternoon to deliver a $1 million check to Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, for the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center.

Fraser contacted Epperson about helping get the Welcome Center started several months ago, Epperson said at a press conference.

“When Senator Fraser called me about the Welcome Center, he asked ‘When you hear about a Welcome Center, you just think about Bob and Shirley Hunter, don’t you?'” Epperson said.

Epperson agreed and became a partner with ACU to support the technological side of the construction.

Money said the university still needs $4.5 million to begin building the Center located near the pond along Judge Ely Boulevard. He said he expected to have it raised by summer so the 16-18 month construction could begin in 2007 still.

Epperson said, “I’m glad we could play a small role in creating this Center and in making a lasting tribute to memorable people in Abilene: the Hunters.”