About the HPC

The HPC is named for the family of Louise H. Ornelas, who has been an avid supporter of UT Tyler for many years. the center also includes the Jean Lancaster Academic Wing, Maytee Fisch Convocation Center, Jim and Bonna Bess Vaughn Recreation and Therapy Pool and the Meadows Student Lounge.

Other features of the facility include classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, a gymnasium/convocation area with basketball and volleyball courts seating for over 2,000, indoor walking/jogging track, aerobics and free weights areas.

"We needed a place where student life could thrive, and believe me, we now have it. With athletics and other student activities on the increase, the center, in fact will become the heart and soul of our campus for our students."

President Rodney H. Mabry

Facilities

Jean Lancaster Academic Wing, Maytee Fisch Convocation Center, Jim and Bonna Bess Vaughn Recreation and Therapy Pool and the Meadows Student Lounge.

History

Planning for a health and kinesiology and student recreation center began soon after the arrival of UT Tyler President Rodney H. Mabry in Fall, 1998. Research indicated that students were very satisfied with their academic experience at UT Tyler but concerned about the lack of student services and activities. The new facility was conceived as a center for student life as well as a state-of-the-art home for the Health and Kinesiology faculty.

Budget

$19.3 million total construction project cost. Construction was funded with $9.7 million from the state Permanent University Fund and $9.6 million from private gifts.

Fast Facts

• At 127,000 square feet, the Herrington Patriot Center is the largest building on campus.
• $6.4 million gift from Joseph and Louise Ornelas made the building possible. The center’s name honors the family of Louise Herrington Ornelas.
• The Jean Lancaster Academic wing is named to honor the sister of Louise Ornelas.
• UT Regents appropriated $9.7 million from the Permanent University Fund to construct the academic portions of the center.
• Over 500,000 bricks were used in the facility construction.
• Construction time – 19 months
• The maple gymnasium floor in the Fisch Convocation Center features a unique maple floor designed to be easier on the knees of student athletes.
• Six athletic team locker rooms are included in the building.
• The athletic trainer’s office includes a hydrotherapy room.
• The Patriot baseball team will utilize an indoor batting cage within the facility.
• The Vaughn Pool holds 100,000 gallons of water.
• The HPC typically offers over 30 fitness classes per week.

Bob Hepler, HPC Director 903 565-5571