Wednesday, September 27 marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the first building of the Asian Christian Academy (ACA) College of Arts and Sciences in Bangalore, India. 200 attendees turned out for the event, including staff, students, and visitors to the campus.
The ACA, along with 200 guests, broke ground for the first building of their new college in Bangalore.
President of the ACA Dr. Joy George began with a speech about his vision for the college. Carey Childrey, Leadership Developer at Paraclete Mission Group later said a prayer for the college, and Neill Faucett, a good friend of UC Funds and Managing Principle at Lubert-Adler Real Estate Group, broke ground.
The College of Arts and Sciences will be the first Christian college of its kind in the India. The ACA hopes to start student enrollment in July 2018, with the first buildings expected to reach completion by July 2019.
UC Funds is a longtime partner of the ACA, which provides post-graduate theological training and Christian education in India. The Palmier Foundation recently donated a total of $325,000 to the ACA, $100,000 of which went directly to the construction and opening of the college.
Dr. Joy George made the day especially poignant by announcing the college’s academic block will be named “The Daniel Palmier Center for Academic Studies.” The three buildings will host the first set of classes, laboratories and offices for the first group of college programs.
Daniel Palmier, CEO of UC Funds said, “September 27 was a significant day for students across India who will soon be able to learn about Christianity under incredible educators. Having these buildings dedicated in my name is an honor I will always carry with me.”
Dr. Joy George offered gratitude for Daniel Palmier’s donation to the college with a special dedication.
“This is our first opportunity to truly recognize Daniel Palmier’s contribution to our work here,” said Dr. Stephen George, Vice President of the Asian Christian Academy. “The Palmier Foundation has partnered with us for many projects. Daniel was the first donor to offer support for this vision, and it was an overdue honor to name the first college buildings after him.”
The groundbreaking was a great milestone for The Palmier Foundation and UC Funds. We share the ACA’s dream of establishing a Christian college campus, and our contribution helps to ensure this dream comes to fruition.
“We believe our endeavor will have a wide and long lasting impact on Bangalore’s community and the region,” continued Dr. Stephen George. “We’re so grateful for The Palmier Foundation’s involvement.”
