When Samford University opens its twin first-year residence halls in 2025, they will bear the names of two campus icons.

The west building housing female students will be named Audrey Lattimore Gaston Hall in tribute to the woman who in 1967 became Samford’s first full-time African-American student.

The east building for male students will be named in honor of Marvin L. Mann, the successful business executive whose $100 million donation to Samford in 2022 represented the largest single gift ever made to a higher education institution in the state of Alabama.

The university’s Board of Trustees approved the naming resolutions during their September meeting.

Audrey Gaston Howard earned her law degree in 1970, becoming the first African-American to graduate from Samford. Her groundbreaking career continued when she became the first woman appointed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the southeast and later was appointed courts liaison adviser to the National Criminal Justice Commission. In 1975 she joined the staff of U. S. Rep. John Buchanan of Alabama as a legislative assistant. She died in 1989.

“This generous tribute to my mother means so very much to me and my family,” said the Rev. Dr. Charles Lattimore Howard, chaplain at the University of Pennsylvania. “My mom's time at Samford University was deeply formative and contributed in important ways to her groundbreaking legal career. We remain very grateful to God for her and to Samford for this wonderful recognition. Mom would love this.

“My sister and I, as well as my daughters, are very proud of her being the first African-American to enroll at this amazing institution. It took a lot of courage for her to be a new student, let alone the first African-American student at Samford. I pray that future first-year students can draw from her example when they see her name on this beautiful building.”

Mann, a Birmingham native and 1954 Samford graduate, worked 32 years with IBM before helping found Lexmark International, Inc. where he served as chief executive officer and chairman. Upon Mann’s death in 2022, President Beck A. Taylor called his impact transformative.

“His incredible success as a corporate executive was matched only by his humility, faith and care for others,” Taylor said. “Samford is stronger and lives into its mission more faithfully because of Marvin’s love and commitment to this place.”

The Gaston and Mann residence halls, on pace for occupancy in fall semester 2025, will feature a combined 513 beds for first-year students.

Crider Commons

The area between the new freshman residence complex and Vail Davis Hall—a vibrant new green space for student fellowship, study and outdoor recreation —will be named Crider Commons in honor of distinguished Samford University alumnus Todd Crider.

Crider received his BA in International Relations, magna cum laude, in 1987 from Samford, where he served as student body president. He became Alumnus of the Year in 2006, and currently serves on the advisory board of The Howard College of Arts and Sciences.

“A defining strength of the United States has always been philanthropy as each of us benefits from the generosity of those who have come before," Crider said. "With the big impact of Samford in the life of our family, it is a way for us to give back to an institution we love.”

Crider’s family presents a rich legacy at Samford. His parents, Barbara and Bob Crider, were alumni who served as missionaries in residence during the late 1980s and taught courses. Both of his siblings, Stephanie Crider Truman and Tim Crider, graduated from Samford, along with other relatives who are alumni, and still another relative who currently attends the university.

Stevens Plaza

The plaza between the new upper class residence halls adjacent to the current Tri Delta House will be named the Bill and Kimeran Stevens Plaza. It honors a half-century of service, dedication and contributions by the Stevens, who first enrolled as freshmen in the late 1960s.

“Samford University has been in our lives since 1966 when we began as students,” shared Bill Stevens. “Our relationship has allowed us to be involved with the university through the years and we have been blessed to be able to serve and support Samford. We are honored that a wonderful place on the campus will be named for us. Thank you for such an honor.”

The former chairman of the Samford University Board of Trustees, Bill Stevens recently was elected a Life Trustee in recognition of completing 20 years of service on the board. He has contributed expertise through the advisory board for the Brock School of Business, the selection committee for the Samford Athletics Hall of Fame, and the university’s most recent presidential search committee. In December 2021, trustees dedicated the William J. Stevens Board Room in Frank Park Samford Hall.

Kimeran Stevens was honored as the 2018 Samford Alumna of the Year for her outstanding service and philanthropic leadership.

The Stevens have been generous supporters of the university, serving as co-chairs of the Forever Samford Campaign—the most successful comprehensive capital campaign in university history—and taking pivotal leadership roles instrumental to numerous initiatives. They are active supporters of various community causes, including service on the Board of the Salvation Army and as members of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church.

Additional Naming Resolutions

The health and wellness center located within the Dwight and Lucille Beeson Center will be named the Louise H. and John G. Beard Health and Wellness Center. The Beards are longtime Samford benefactors who have supported university initiatives and its mission.

The basketball practice court in the Bashinsky Field House is being named Joey Davenport Court in honor of the 1990s Samford basketball standout who subsequently established a successful career in financial advising.

The stunning new footbridge located within Pete Hanna Stadium will be known as the Dr. Buddy Larry Thorne Bridge in recognition of the distinguished Samford graduate who practiced dentistry for 47 years and exemplified a life of faith, strength, passion and loyalty.

The transformative impact of these projects contributes to the Samford experience enjoyed by students, faculty and the community.