In the spring of 1872, three men stood on a hilltop overlooking downtown Austin. Believing in the special destiny of that scenic spot, they envisioned a thriving university, and St. Edward's University was born. Since its establishment in 1885, St. Edward's has been fulfilling the mission these three visionaries set out for it — providing a high-quality education that emphasizes intellectual and personal formation.

Nearly 120 years since welcoming its first class of eight students, St. Edward's is once again preparing for the future. With record enrollment of more than 4,650 students and plans for continued growth, the university will announce a major comprehensive capital campaign this week. A Special Destiny: The Campaign for St. Edward's University supports two equally ambitious goals: giving more students the opportunity to experience the transformative education St. Edward's provides and achieving national recognition as one of America's best small universities. The campaign focuses on the construction of the John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center and a new campus chapel. Campaign funds also will add to the university's $45 million endowment and improve existing operations.

The campaign is led by a $10.5 million combined gift from the estate of Houston businessman John Brooks Williams. The first gift of $7.5 million — the largest single gift in the university's history — will fund the John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center. Construction is set to begin later this year on phase one of the $20 million, 66,000-square-foot natural sciences center named in memory of Williams. An additional gift of $3 million will fund the second phase of the natural sciences facility. As a faith-based university, St. Edward's also will construct a new chapel located at the heart of campus as a visible expression of the university's commitment to its Holy Cross Catholic heritage.

• Who: St. Edward's University students, alumni, faculty, staff and donors
  
   
• What: Comprehensive campaign launch; Ceremonial groundbreaking for $20 million John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center; and a virtual sneak peek inside the new building
  
   
• When: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15 (program begins at noon)
  
   
• Where: Large tent adjacent to Moody Hall (corner of Theater Pass and Moody Drive)