The Varsity CEO Donates $500,000 To Expand Reinhardt Dining Hall

WALESKA, GA -- Reinhardt University holds a special place in the hearts of the Gordy family – a tie that dates back to the 1920's when W. Frank Gordy Sr. and the woman who would later become his wife, Evelyn Jackson, attended Reinhardt Academy.

The Gordy family’s dedication to the university can be seen across campus from Reinhardt’s dining hall, Gordy Center; to the Gordy Hospitality House, home to the Gordy family that was moved from Atlanta to Waleska and dedicated in 1991; to Gordy Residence Hall, which is named in memory of Mr. Gordy’s brother and wife, Herbert I. and Lila W. Gordy.

While Frank and Evelyn Gordy have since passed away, their daughter, Nancy Simms, has continued the family tradition of strong support for Reinhardt as a member of the Board of Trustees and with her own generous giving to the University.

Since the Gordy’s made their first gift many years ago, the family has given more than $9 million to Reinhardt University.

Simms, CEO of The Varsity – the almost 90-year-old Atlanta landmark her father founded, together with her husband, Steve, is once again showing her family’s love for Reinhardt with a $500,000 gift to renovate and expand the existing W. Frank and Evelyn J. Gordy Center.

“Steve and I are thrilled to continue our support for Reinhardt University, a place that means so much to our family,” said Simms. “My parents would be particularly glad to see how Reinhardt is growing and that it continues to make possible an education in such a wonderful Christian environment.”

Reinhardt plans to renovate and expand “The Gordy,” as it is commonly known on campus, beginning in summer 2018 including the addition of about 10,200 square feet of new space and renovations to the other 6,600 square feet of current space.

The cost of the project is anticipated to be $3.8 million and will include additional dining space for students, upgrades to mechanical systems and accessible meeting space. A new two-story lobby will encapsulate the historic front of the current building, honoring the enduring legacy of the Gordy family.

“Among the very first friends I made upon becoming president in 2015 was Nancy Simms,” said President Kina S. Mallard. “She is an incredible source of inspiration and encouragement to me, and she is a vital, active part of all that we are doing to build this thriving University.

“We appreciate this gift from Nancy and Steve Simms, and we look forward to the day when we dedicate this space to the glory of God and in honor of the Simms and Gordy families.”

The Gordy family gave a generous gift in the 1980's to build the much-needed dining hall, which was dedicated and officially named the W. Frank and Evelyn J. Gordy Center. It was dedicated in Mr. Gordy’s memory, who passed away just a few months after making the generous gift for the dining hall.

The Gordy family dedication can also be seen in their volunteer support. Mrs. Gordy served on the University’s Board of Trustees from 1983 until 2006, while Mr. Gordy served as an honorary board member for one year. Mrs. Simms continues as a trustee, a position she has held since 1985.

“Since its earliest days as a fledgling school, the Gordy family has stood with Reinhardt as wonderful friends and supporters,” said Billy Hasty, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Nancy and I have stood side-by-side as fellow members of the Board of Trustees, and I can tell you that no one better demonstrates the kind of servant leadership that we seek to instill in our students than these wonderful friends, Nancy and Steve Simms.”

For information about making a gift to Reinhardt University in support of the renovation and expansion of Gordy Dining Hall, contact the Advancement Office at (770) 720-5621 or advancement@reinhardt.edu.

From left to right are: Billy Hasty, chairman of the Reinhardt Board of Trustees, Nancy Simms, and Reinhardt University President Dr. Kina S. Mallard. Credit: Reinhardt University