Troy University Alumni Association unveils 2024 Christmas decorations

The Troy University Alumni Association celebrates one of the newest additions to the Troy campus with its 2024 Christmas decorations.

The ornament, now available for purchase, depicts Jones Hall, which will house the university's College of Health Sciences. The building, scheduled for completion this fall, was named in honor of TROY alumnus and Crowne Health President Billy Jones and his wife, Frances. Jones Hall includes laboratory space for exercise science, biomechanics and physical education, simulation and laboratory space for the School of Nursing, and more classroom space, and will serve as a catalyst for teaching and research in the health sciences.

The Alumni Christmas Ornament has been produced for 25 years and has become a valued annual addition to the decorations of Trojan alumni and friends. Designed by Beacon Designs for the TROY Alumni Association, the ornaments represent special moments in the university's history. Previous ornaments have featured Sorrell Chapel, the Sound of the South marching band, TROY's long history of military service, the opening of Trojan Arena, the addition of the North End Zone to Veterans Memorial Stadium, the celebration of Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr.'s 30th year as chancellor and the newly renovated Riddle-Pace Field.

Dr. Hawkins surprised Billy and Frances Jones with the ornament during the Monroe County Alumni Chapter scholarship fundraiser dinner on July 23 at the Vanity Fair Golf Club in Monroeville.

“I don't think there are any better people in the world than Billy and Frances Jones,” said Dr. Hawkins. “Billy is a TROY alumnus and has been a very generous supporter of TROY. We've had a special Christmas ornament for 25 years, but I think this one celebrating Jones Hall really has a special place on the Christmas tree.”

Mrs. Janice Hawkins, First Lady of Troy University, said the Joneses have built a legacy that will benefit Troy University students for years to come.

“I was breathless when I walked into this building, and that's never happened to me before,” Ms. Hawkins said. “It's so impressive and magnificent, and I'm excited for the building to open. I'm proud of the Joneses and what they've done for TROY. It really is a tremendous legacy.”

Billy Jones said he was “very surprised” to see the building selected as this year's gem, and he hopes the building will help TROY continue to produce qualified nurses and health care professionals.

“I really hope this building will help train nurses and other health workers,” Jones said. “There is such a shortage right now that we are having a hard time finding staff. There is a shortage of nurses in this country and I hope this new building, with everything that comes with it, will help train nurses and health workers to fill those gaps.”

Faith Byrd, director of alumni affairs, said the ornaments provide an opportunity to highlight important events in the life of the university.

“We are thrilled to present Jones Hall as this year’s Jewel and to recognize the generosity and support of Billy and Frances Jones,” said Byrd. “This year marks the 30th anniversary of Jones Hall’s founding.^th This is the 50th anniversary of the College of Health Sciences at TROY, and the School of Nursing has an even longer tradition of producing quality graduates who are making a difference in the health care field in Alabama and beyond. Jones Hall is a beautiful addition to our campus that will make a lasting impression on our students.”

During the event, Byrd also praised the Monroe County Alumni Chapter for its commitment to awarding scholarships to deserving students. The chapter was founded in 2016 and has since raised $38,000 for scholarships. In 2023, the Monroe County Chapter became the 10th chapter in the history of the school.^th Chapter to endow a scholarship.

At the event, Dr. Hawkins delivered a speech updating those in attendance on recent developments at the university, including TROY's designation as a doctoral university by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. The change in teaching role will allow TROY to offer additional doctoral programs, paving the way for the university's continued development as a research institution, Dr. Hawkins said.

Other participants in the program included: Monroe County Chapter President Cedric G. Hollinger, incoming Troy University Alumni Association President Judge Jack B. Weaver, Athletic Director Brent Jones and Sarah Baker Barnhardt, the chapter's first scholarship recipient in 2017.

The ornament can be purchased for $20. To purchase this year's or past ornaments, visit the Troy University Alumni Association website at troy.edu/alumni or contact the Alumni Affairs Office at 334-670-3318.