Baylor University’s Honors College was the first academic unit to embrace the living-learning model on campus in 2004. More than 17 years later, the Honors Residential College (HRC) remains a vital hub where students connect with faculty, learn from one another, engage in worship and service, and develop as leaders—integrating intellectual pursuits into campus life.
The Honors Residential College is housed in two of Baylor’s oldest and most distinguished residence halls, Alexander and Memorial. As a priority capital project of the Give Light campaign, both halls underwent major renovations during 2023-24, reopening in fall 2024 to blend the best of the halls’ history and tradition with modern enhancements. The renovations created a more open feel with increased natural light, new study nooks, and community spaces, while expanding the HRC and consolidating its faculty and staff in the adjacent Draper Academic Building—forming a vibrant hub for over 1,400 outstanding undergraduate students.
The most visible new feature is the Carona Family Commons, a new building connecting Alexander and Memorial. It features expanded access to Memorial Dining Hall and the Willett Family Reading Room, plus outdoor courtyard space. Its upper floors offer study rooms, a learning center, lounge areas, a gaming space, and a community kitchen.
The expansion and renovation across Draper, Memorial, and Alexander Halls will better serve students and more strongly establish the Honors College’s identity on Baylor’s campus for years to come.
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Baylor University today dedicated the newly renovated Honors Residential College during a morning ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the Honors College’s new home and the grand opening of the Carona Family Commons.
One of the priority capital projects during the Give Light campaign was a major update to Memorial and Alexander residence halls, home to Baylor’s Honors Residential College. The goal: A complete renovation of both dorms, plus an new addition in between that would connect the two buildings and offer additional academic and community space for the Honors College and its students.
After closing throughout 2023-24 for a year of renovation and construction, the completed project was unveiled at the start of the semester, with Memorial and Alexander reopening to welcome a new class of Bears.
Two of the oldest residential halls on campus are recently reopened after a $48 million renovation and expansion project. The Honors Residential College (HRC) has been given a revitalized home within Memorial and Alexander halls.
Baylor University announced a $5 million gift from John and Helen Carona of Dallas, providing significant momentum and support for the renovation and construction of the Honors Residential College, as well as the University’s other major capital priorities through the Give Light Capital Fund. In recognition of their transformational gift, Baylor will name the Carona Family Commons at the Honors Residential College and the Carona Family Premium Entry in the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.
