"Thank You! Thank you! Thank you!"
On October 4, 2024, these words of gratitude echoed across Colorado Christian University’s (CCU) Lakewood campus throughout the dedication of The Armstrong Center, reflecting the trademark enthusiasm and spirit of the building’s namesake. The new 60,000-square-foot facility, named in honor of the late William “Bill” L. Armstrong, former CCU president and distinguished U.S. senator, marks a transformative moment for the University – a celebration of legacy, growth, and forward momentum.
As the fifth building completed under CCU’s campus redevelopment plan since 2015, The Armstrong Center houses the School of Music, the University’s first dedicated chapel, a state-of-the-art library, performance hall, and essential classroom space. It honors Bill Armstrong’s vision and CCU’s commitment to cultivating leaders who impact their fields with grace and truth.
The dedication drew hundreds from across the country for two days of celebration, starting with a prayer breakfast on October 3, uniting pastors and community leaders in prayer over the new center. The evening featured the William L. Armstrong Award Dinner, honoring Armstrong’s significant contributions to CCU with distinguished guests, coordinated by the Centennial Institute and the Armstrong Family Foundation.
The official dedication began Friday, October 4, with gratitude for God’s provision and the generous support of over $45 million. Speakers included past and present CCU leaders and Armstrong’s son, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Wil Armstrong, who noted, “The dedication of the Armstrong Center is about the future for God’s glory and praise.”
Honoring the Legacy of Bill Armstrong: A Leader and Visionary
Reflecting on Bill Armstrong’s life and leadership, CCU President Eric Hogue highlighted Armstrong’s journey, from the Colorado State House of Representatives at age 25 to becoming the youngest state senate majority leader at 27 to CCU president.
"He was a CCU president who, after a legendary political career, returned to emphasize the importance of leadership coming forth from this University for 20-somethings. That wasn’t just an idea for him; he resembled those remarks,” said Hogue. “He understood exactly how that could happen in our graduates at age 24 or 25… he had lived it himself.
In his dedication speech, Hogue also acknowledged Ellen Armstrong, Bill’s wife and former Board member, stating, “As much as we are honoring this building for Bill Armstrong, we are also honoring Ellen Armstrong.” Together, they established a legacy of servant leadership that endures at CCU.
Reflecting the heart of both of his parents, Wil Armstrong emphasized in his dedication speech, “Today is one of the most important days in the history of Colorado Christian University, but it’s not about the new building. It’s what happens within these walls, the rising up of the next generation. That’s what matters most.”
A Commitment to the Arts: “Front Porch” of the University
An open house followed the dedication, with Armstrong’s favorite treats—pizza and ice cream—served campus-wide and tee-shirts everywhere proclaiming his heartfelt focus of “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!” Guests eagerly explored the new center, enjoying a preview of the talent and spirit of worship within its walls as School of Music students and faculty provided live performances.
Armstrong affectionately called the School of Music “the front porch” of the University—a welcoming space where initial encounters with CCU’s campus could often lead to meaningful conversations about Jesus.
"Through concerts, theater productions, songs, or various events, the performing arts serve as that front porch to the University. And on that front porch a conversation about Jesus and who Jesus is for all of us. That was a passion for Bill Armstrong and a reason for dedicating this building in his honor."President Eric Hogue
This multi-faceted facility is a testament to CCU’s commitment to providing students with comprehensive resources that enhance their educational experience, especially with CCU’s School of Music poised for significant growth.
Over the next decade, President Hogue envisions taking the foundation Armstrong established and developing even more opportunities for students, such as an expansion of the School of Music into a full-fledged School of Performing Arts, aligning with Armstrong’s vision to use the arts as a tool for outreach and engagement.
The center’s McDonald Performance Hall also opens doors to a vibrant future where concerts, orchestras, choirs, contemporary worship arts, theater, and dance can flourish in high production value. It enhances the University’s capacity to host special events and a broad range of artistic endeavors.
“I would hope that what Bill considered to be ‘the front porch’ of the University would now become the major magnet for all students thinking about entering the ministry of professional arts at CCU,” said Hogue.
An Ebeneezer of Provision and Possibilities
The Armstrong Center dedication was not just a moment of celebration; it served as a milestone to ignite momentum for the next chapter in CCU’s journey. For Hogue, the building is not only a symbol of growth but, as he puts it, it is a “liminal moment” – a pause to honor past achievements and simultaneously look toward the future.
“This building dedication is a celebration to give God glory for His provisions, to honor what God has done,” said Hogue. “A ‘liminal moment’ means you accomplished something, but you are taking a pause to prepare to launch for even greater significance. That’s what this building means; we’re not done. We have unfinished work to do.”
Like Armstrong, Hogue continues a line of visionary leaders who have elevated CCU’s academic and spiritual standards. President Armstrong envisioned a beautiful campus that would attract strong, resilient Christian students with academic strength. His successor, Dr. Donald Sweeting, cultivated academic rigor and excellence with his Oxford-background acumen, furthering that firm foundation. Now President Hogue builds on both frameworks, integrating his own vision to enrich CCU’s influence and facilities.
“My job is to build upon the unfinished work from Armstrong’s tenure – developing this campus, including our online community and digital campus,” said Hogue. “It is also to advance Sweeting’s work in attracting, retaining, and supporting our distinguished faculty – the engine of this University. At the same time, we’re working to increase our national brand, add updated science and engineering facilities, build out athletic fields, and plan for future growth,” said Hogue.
Launching the Armstrong Center with Special Events
The Armstrong Center is a first step for the University toward developing a wider reach in cultural influence, providing a new platform for intellectual and spiritual engagement. Equipped with the McDonald Performance Hall, in the spirit of Armstrong’s legacy, CCU now has the resources to host prominent Christian leaders and thinkers and began with an impressive series of events to launch the Armstrong Center.
On November 15, former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen Pence, became the inaugural guest speakers of the President’s Speaker Series, engaging in moderated discussions about education and political leadership.
On December 10, an Advent service hosted by Eric and Tammy Hogue was held in the Armstrong Center chapel, the first formal event utilizing this dedicated worship space.
The event series continues in February with renowned Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman, who will not only perform but also give a masterclass for CCU School of Music students. His session will cover songwriting, crafting lyrics, and the art of creating music that balances theological depth with real-life experiences. This event, as Hogue describes, is an extension of CCU’s vision to produce graduates who excel in their fields. Chapman, with 51 No.1 hits and countless awards, serves as an ideal role model for students aspiring to make a profound impact in the arts.
Hogue explains, “We (collectively) have a chance at CCU and as Christians in the performing arts. We need to be there; we need to reclaim that ground. But to be accepted, you have to be excellent. Our goal is to provide opportunities in excellence for our students while helping them to embrace the tension of grace and truth as solid believers in Christ and to be winsome in their evangelism.”
As the Armstrong Center becomes a vibrant hub for high-profile events, the University envisions a future where students not only learn about their faith but also witness its active role in the broader world. Each event held within the center’s walls provides an opportunity to reinforce CCU’s commitment to educating future leaders in all fields with a foundation in grace and truth.
Looking Ahead with Momentum and Purpose
The Armstrong Center reflects the vision, dedication, and generosity that have guided CCU to this moment in its history. Bill and Ellen Armstrong’s legacy together lives on through this campus, inspiring students to pursue lives of service, impact, and faith.
As CCU continues in forward momentum, the Armstrong Center now stands as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision, past, present, and future. President Hogue and the CCU community are committed to expanding the Armstrong legacy, investing in new facilities, and continuing a campus that empowers students to make an impact for God’s glory in every field.
A heartfelt “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” to all who helped transform the dream of the Armstrong Center into a reality and the dedication event into a moment that celebrated what God has done and is about to do at CCU.
Learn more how you can support the future of CCU through our capital campaigns.
"I feel a great sense of destiny about the opportunity to educate a new generation of leaders."Senator Bill Armsrong, 1937-2016