Texas Wesleyan University is excited to announce a gift commitment of $500,000 from The Thomas M., Helen McKee & John P. Ryan Foundation in support of renovations in the Ella C. McFadden Science Center as part of Engage. Inspire. Invest. A Comprehensive Campaign.

The McFadden Science Center project is a $1.3 million renovation of the third-floor chemistry lab, which includes separating the existing single-use lab into three lab spaces — two for chemistry with fume hoods and one virtual lab for computer-based work or general lab needs. Other project details include roof repairs and installing modern energy-efficient tabletop hoods to improve safety, reduce noise and create more space for student activity.

“The McFadden Science Center plays a pivotal role in STEM education at Texas Wesleyan,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Hector Quintanilla. “Modernization and expansion of the chemistry lab will help attract more students to this important program which prepares students for high-demand careers.”

In addition to the McFadden Science Center gift, the Ryan Foundation has provided philanthropic support in the past to the Graduate Programs in Nurse Anesthesia’s simulation center expansion and to the construction of the Nick and Lou Martin University Center. The foundation’s latest gift brings the total funds raised for the Science Center project to $795,000.

“This key gift from the Ryan Foundation will not only help improve science education at Texas Wesleyan, but the lab expansion will ease course scheduling across the science curriculum,” said Texas Wesleyan President Frederick G. Slabach. “The Ryan Foundation has been one of our key partners in improving campus facilities to strengthen educational opportunities for our students.”

The Ryan Foundation was founded by Helen McKee Ryan and her son John P. Ryan in 1983. Helen Ryan was the widow of Thomas M. Ryan, a prominent businessman in Fort Worth. The Ryan family owned several businesses including Waples Platter Company, Ranch Style, Inc., White Swan Foods, Ryan Mortgage Company and First Life Insurance Company.

The McFadden Science Center opened in the mid-1960s and has been the focal point of STEM education at Texas Wesleyan ever since. The renovation of the third-floor chemistry lab is a critical academic piece of the Engage 2025 Strategic Plan and Engage. Inspire. Invest. Comprehensive Campaign.