LeTourneau University Development

Progress continues on the future Christian Polytechnic University Center (CPUC) as crews advance excavation work across the construction site. Each phase brings us one step closer to creating a dynamic new space where students, faculty, and industry partners will collaborate, innovate, and prepare to make an impact for Christ.

As dirt work continues, we’re also pleased to share that the sidewalk through the construction zone has reopened, providing students with improved access as they return to campus this fall.

Want to follow the progress? You can watch the construction unfold anytime through our live project camera. Check back often to see new milestones as the CPUC continues to take shape. https://www.letu.edu/development/build/project-cpu-center.html

Thank you to the alumni and friends whose generosity is helping bring this transformational project to life. Every milestone reflects an investment in the future of LeTourneau University and the students who will learn, grow, and collaborate within these walls.

Progress continues on the future Christian Polytechnic University Center (CPUC) as crews advance excavation work across the construction site. Each phase brings us one step closer to creating a dynamic new space where students, faculty, and industry partners will collaborate, innovate, and prepare to make an impact for Christ.

As dirt work continues, we're also pleased to share that the sidewalk through the construction zone has reopened, providing students with improved access as they return to campus this fall.

Want to follow the progress? You can watch the construction unfold anytime through our live project camera. Check back often to see new milestones as the CPUC continues to take shape. https://www.letu.edu/development/build/project-cpu-center.html

Thank you to the alumni and friends whose generosity is helping bring this transformational project to life. Every milestone reflects an investment in the future of LeTourneau University and the students who will learn, grow, and collaborate within these walls.

Student Spotlight: Karuna Kotak

When generosity meets God's calling, lives are transformed.

For Karuna, a Legacy Scholar Endowed Scholarship recipient studying Aviation at LeTourneau University, the opportunity to pursue her dream is about much more than earning a degree. It's about discovering how God has uniquely woven together her passions for aviation, art, writing, and serving others.

"When people find out that I love aviation just as much as I love creating and writing, I'm usually met with confusion and curiosity. It's not as common to see the arts intertwined with STEM fields, but I believe that they are intrinsically connected."

As Karuna has grown at LeTourneau, she's found more than an education. She's found a community that encourages her to pursue excellence while keeping Christ at the center of everything she does.

Inspired by the STING Precision Flight Team's motto, "An Audience of One," Karuna shared that this mindset has shaped every area of her life.

"Everything we do, we do for God... Your generosity is allowing me to live in a place where I could learn this and be reminded of it every single day."

Because of faithful donors, students like Karuna are preparing for careers that will impact the world while growing into the people God has called them to be.

Thank you for investing in the next generation of Christian leaders, innovators, and servant-hearted professionals.

In 1984, LeTourneau opened a new aviation facility at Gregg County Airport, marking a major step forward for a rapidly growing program.

The 7,600-square-foot building replaced a crowded, 1,200-square-foot leased facility and provided classrooms, faculty offices, flight-planning and simulator rooms, storage areas, a student lounge, and a maintenance hangar. It also gave the University greater control over aircraft maintenance, fuel costs, and the future growth of the program.

The project was supported not only through student flight fees, but also through the generosity of alumni families and friends who believed in LeTourneau’s mission and its distinctive approach to aviation education.

More than four decades later, that same spirit of vision and generosity is carrying LeTourneau Aviation into its next chapter through the Abbott Aviation Center Renovation and Addition. What began as a much-needed new home in 1984 continues today as an investment in expanded learning spaces, premier lab experiences, and the next generation of aviation professionals.
You can make a gift to this project: https://www.letu.edu/development/build/project-abbott.html

The facilities have changed, but the purpose remains the same: preparing skilled aviation leaders who view their work as both a calling and an opportunity to serve.

THEN:
In 1988, LeTourneau challenged East Texas students to dream, design, invent, and solve real-world problems through its 4th annual Invention & Design Contest. Young innovators competed with ideas that were judged not only on creativity, but on their potential to benefit society.

NOW:
That same spirit of innovation continues today through R.G. Research & Development (RGRD). LeTourneau students and future YellowJackets are challenged to develop original ideas, solve real-world problems, and explore opportunities to turn those ideas into viable businesses and new technologies.
https://www.letu.edu/industry-engagement/rgrd.html

Through the annual RGRD Scholarship Competition, incoming students also compete for a four-year, full-tuition scholarship by presenting an innovative business proposal, elevator pitch, and in-person presentation. The scholarship recipient retains ownership of the idea while receiving support from RGRD to help develop it and potentially launch a company.

The competition may look different today, but LeTourneau’s commitment to cultivating creative, entrepreneurial problem-solvers remains unchanged.

A New Era Begins at LeTourneau University

At LeTourneau University, a Premier Lab Experience isn't confined to one classroom or one discipline.

It spans from the airport hangar to the robotics lab, from advanced nursing simulation suites to engineering design spaces—and now, to our new Athletic and Human Performance Air Dome.

Today, we're excited to host the Summer Classic for young athletes of all ages, the first event ever held inside this incredible new facility. More than just a building, the Air Dome represents our commitment to preparing students through immersive, hands-on experiences that develop the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Whether students are designing aircraft, programming autonomous systems, caring for patients, competing on the track, or preparing for lives of leadership and service, every premier learning environment helps equip them to answer God's calling.

This milestone is possible because of faithful alumni and friends who believe in investing in the next generation through the Build with Purpose campaign. Thank you for helping create spaces where students can learn, grow, compete, and thrive.
Learn more about the BwP campaign here: https://www.letu.edu/development/build/index.html

~~ You're invited!
Join us as we officially dedicate the Athletic and Human Performance Air Dome.
• Wednesday, August 19
• 1:30 p.m.
We would love to celebrate this exciting new chapter with you!

With each passing week, the Abbott Aviation Renovation & Addition moves one step closer to welcoming the next generation of aviation students.

Over the past month, crews have:
• Completed the building pad
• Continued excavating and preparing spread footings
• Installed reinforcing steel for the foundation
• Begun excavation for the elevator pit
• Advanced underground utility work
• Received key site components, including parking lot light poles, the elevator sump, and trench drains.

Next up, crews will continue pouring concrete for the remaining spread footings, install trench drains, and complete power conduit work as the foundation continues to take shape.

Every footing poured is another step toward expanding the home of LeTourneau University's nationally recognized aviation program and creating even greater opportunities for future pilots, aviation maintenance professionals, and aerospace leaders.

Student Spotlight | Elyse Reimer

For Elyse Reimer, support from the Robert Allen & Mary Buford Jones Endowed Scholarship did more than help fund her education—it helped make LeTourneau University the place where she could confidently pursue God’s calling.

Originally from Hesston, Kansas, Elyse came to LETU to study Electrical and Computer Engineering. During her time at LeTourneau, she grew in her faith, gained confidence in her vocation, and prepared to use her professional life to glorify God.

“Because of your gift, my life has been transformed, and I am overwhelmed by the fruit I have seen in my life since attending LeTourneau.”

As she approached graduation this past May, Elyse was preparing to begin work as an avionics engineer in Wichita, Kansas, where she hoped to bring the light of Christ into her workplace.

Her story is a reminder that endowed scholarships do more than ease a financial burden. They open doors, shape lives, and help students pursue meaningful work and faithful service.

Thank you for your support of our students. Your investment is helping students like Elyse follow God’s direction and carry their faith into workplaces around the world.