LeTourneau University Development

Engineering. Innovation. Faith.

Leave it to R.G. LeTourneau to turn a conversation about a side-dump wagon into a lesson from Scripture.

In 1965, R.G. described the engineering behind a new side-dump wagon design, explaining how it could unload more safely and efficiently than traditional dump wagons. But he didn't stop with the mechanics.

He wrote:

"There's an old song that says, 'Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.' A lot of people don't realize they can unload a burden like this side dump does and let the Lord Jesus Christ carry it for them."

For R.G., engineering wasn't just about solving practical problems—it was a reflection of biblical truth. Whether he was designing heavy equipment or encouraging others to trust Christ, his purpose remained the same: using every opportunity to point people toward the Lord.

That Christ-centered approach continues to shape LeTourneau University today, where faith and hands-on learning remain inseparable.

Then:
More than 50 years ago, LeTourneau College invited students to take a "Giant Step."

In the summer of 1972, the Giant Step Program (in its 7th year) offered eight weeks of academic preparation designed to help students strengthen foundational skills before beginning college. But the program was about more than academics—it encouraged students to deepen their faith, commit themselves to Christ, and pursue excellence in every area of life.

One student shared, "I realized that I was doing it for the Lord. The more ability God has given us, the more we should do our best, in order to serve Him the very best."

Now:
While our summer courses may look different today—including flexible online offerings—the purpose remains the same: equipping students to grow in knowledge, strengthen their faith, and prepare for the life God has for them.

Some things change. Our mission never has.

Full article:
https://archive.org/details/letourneaunow1972

One of the four pillars of Build with Purpose is ensuring an accessible education for future YellowJackets.

Financial aid helps make a LeTourneau education more accessible by lowering the cost of tuition, allowing students to focus on their studies, pursue their calling, and graduate prepared to make an impact in the world.

Every investment in student support helps remove barriers and creates opportunities that can change the trajectory of a life.

More on the pillars of the Build with Purpose campaign here: https://www.letu.edu/development/build/index.html

You're Invited!

Join us as we celebrate the dedication of LeTourneau University's new Athletic & Human Performance Air Dome—a transformational investment in our mission, athletics, hands-on learning, and the future of East Texas.

As we continue to build with purpose, this facility stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through vision, generosity, and a commitment to excellence. Designed to serve students, athletes, and the broader community, the Air Dome creates new opportunities for growth, competition, wellness, and impact for generations to come.

We invite you to join us as we dedicate this remarkable addition to campus and celebrate all those who helped make it possible.

📅 August 19
🕒 1:30 PM
📍 Athletic & Human Performance Air Dome

Student Spotlight: Judah Gardner

Scholarship support does more than help students earn a degree—it helps them pursue their calling with confidence.

For Judah, the past year has included marriage, academic challenges, personal growth, and learning to trust God through seasons of uncertainty. Through it all, he has continued to excel academically while keeping Christ at the center of his life.

Reflecting on the past year, Judah shared:

"Every day of the past year has been practice trusting in the Lord."

He also expressed gratitude for the donors who have invested in his journey:

"The help that I have been given through your generosity shows me that the Lord is with me."

Stories like Judah's remind us that scholarships are more than financial assistance—they are an investment in students, their families, their faith, and their future.

💙 Thank you to the generous donors whose support is helping students like Judah thrive at LeTourneau University.

✈️ Fifteen years ago, LETU's aviation program welcomed Christian aviators from around the world to East Texas when it hosted the annual International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA) conference.

The event brought together mission agencies, flight training organizations, and aviation professionals—more than 70 member organizations united by a common purpose: using aviation to reach people in remote and difficult-to-access places with the hope of Christ.

Hosting the conference reflected a legacy that continues today. For decades, LeTourneau University's aviation program has prepared pilots, mechanics, and aviation professionals to combine technical excellence with a heart for ministry and service.

Moments like these remind us that mission aviation isn't a new chapter in our story—it's part of a legacy that continues to take flight.

THEN (2011):
Dr. Kelly Liebengood was serving as an Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, teaching students, researching the New Testament, and helping launch LeTourneau's new Center for Global Service Learning. In an article from that year, he shared his desire to help students understand how their vocation fits within God's mission in the world.

NOW (2026):
Today, Dr. Liebengood serves as Dean of the School of Theology & Vocation and is helping lead one of LeTourneau University's most important initiatives: strengthening the integration of Christian faith with teaching, research, and learning across the university.

From the classroom to academic leadership, Dr. Liebengood's commitment to helping students discover God's calling on their lives has remained constant.

"It motivates me to help shape students' overall vision of who God is and what their place in God's world is..." — Dr. Kelly Liebengood (2011)

Information about the Center for Academic Ministry here: https://www.letu.edu/development/build/project-academic-ministry.html

BUILD WITH PURPOSE —> STUDENTS

Every building, scholarship, program, and initiative supported through Build with Purpose ultimately points to one thing: students.

Students discovering their calling.

Students growing in their faith.

Students gaining the skills and experience needed to make an impact in their communities, workplaces, churches, and around the world.

The Build with Purpose campaign is more than a collection of projects—it is an investment in people and the lives they will influence for years to come.

Thank you to the alumni and friends who are helping prepare the next generation of Christian leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers.

✈️ Abbott Aviation Renovation & Addition Update

Exciting progress continues at Abbott Aviation!

Over the past few weeks, crews have completed the building pad, proof rolling, select fill work at the hangar site, spread footings for OLL reinforcement, and under-slab plumbing preparations. The project site is quickly taking shape as work continues on this transformational investment in LeTourneau's aviation programs.

Looking ahead, crews will continue under-slab plumbing, bring power from the transformer to the fire pump room, and excavate and pour the elevator pit.

This addition will help prepare future pilots, mechanics, and aviation professionals through enhanced facilities designed to support hands-on learning and innovation.

Thank you to the many alumni and friends whose support is helping make projects like this possible.