Freed-Hardeman University celebrated the beginning of a new year and new chapter with the annual Tolling of the Bell ceremony Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at David Thomas Dryden Auditorium. Incoming FHU President Keith Harris welcomed new and returning students and reminded them of their role in the university’s mission. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked completion of a two-year renovation project at Dryden Auditorium. Photo courtesy of The Bramblett Group
Freed-Hardeman University began its 157th academic year by honoring its past and looking to its future. As students returned to classes Wednesday, Aug. 19, university and community representatives, guests and members of the Dryden family gathered beneath the new porte-cochère of David Thomas Dryden Auditorium for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a two-year renovation project.
“Today we celebrate the renovation and reopening of a place that has truly been at the heart of this university for nearly five decades,” FHU President Keith Harris said. “This historic renovation has renewed this auditorium while preserving the traditions that make it so meaningful. The improvements are about much more than new seats and modern technology. They ensure that this auditorium will continue serving our students and our community for generations to come.”
The newly named David Thomas Dryden Auditorium honors a man whose legacy of faith, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit positively impacted generations of his family. During the ceremony, David Thomas Dryden’s grandson, Jimmy Dryden, shared stories about his grandfather, including how he taught himself to read using the Bible and became a model of faith for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
David Thomas Dryden’s great-grandson Jay Dryden, who serves on the FHU Board of Trustees, said his great-grandfather’s influence helped shape the family’s enduring connections to the church, Christian education and Freed-Hardeman.
“We are all a product of those generations of people who have come before us,” Jay Dryden said. “Today, we just want to honor one of those generations.”
The renovated auditorium features updated seating, flooring, paint, sound and audiovisual systems, and other improvements while preserving the character associated with the historic campus landmark. Most recent upgrades include an elevator and an exterior porte-cochère designed to improve accessibility and provide a covered arrival and departure area.
Later that morning, hundreds of students gathered inside the auditorium for FHU’s annual Tolling of the Bell, a 26-year tradition marking the beginning of a new academic year and symbolizing new opportunities for students. Freed-Hardeman University began its 157th academic year by honoring its past and looking to its future. As students returned to classes Wednesday, Aug. 19, university and community representatives, guests and members of the Dryden family gathered beneath the new porte-cochère of David Thomas Dryden Auditorium for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a two-year renovation project.
“Today we celebrate the renovation and reopening of a place that has truly been at the heart of this university for nearly five decades,” FHU President Keith Harris said. “This historic renovation has renewed this auditorium while preserving the traditions that make it so meaningful. The improvements are about much more than new seats and modern technology. They ensure that this auditorium will continue serving our students and our community for generations to come.”
The newly named David Thomas Dryden Auditorium honors a man whose legacy of faith, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit positively impacted generations of his family. During the ceremony, David Thomas Dryden’s grandson, Jimmy Dryden, shared stories about his grandfather, including how he taught himself to read using the Bible and became a model of faith for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
David Thomas Dryden’s great-grandson Jay Dryden, who serves on the FHU Board of Trustees, said his great-grandfather’s influence helped shape the family’s enduring connections to the church, Christian education and Freed-Hardeman.
“We are all a product of those generations of people who have come before us,” Jay Dryden said. “Today, we just want to honor one of those generations.”
The renovated auditorium features updated seating, flooring, paint, sound and audiovisual systems, and other improvements while preserving the character associated with the historic campus landmark. Most recent upgrades include an elevator and an exterior porte-cochère designed to improve accessibility and provide a covered arrival and departure area.
Later that morning, hundreds of students gathered inside the auditorium for FHU’s annual Tolling of the Bell, a 26-year tradition marking the beginning of a new academic year and symbolizing new opportunities for students.
