When you drive onto the campus of Jacksonville State University (JSU), you cannot miss the three-story, gothic building that sits atop a hill in the heart of campus.
It is the focal point of the university. A place where visitors stop on campus tours, new students learn about the services available to them and university staff conduct the important work of the nearly 200-year-old institution of higher education. You can even hear the bell in the bell tower chime the hour.
Today, that building has a new name. What was once Bibb Graves Hall is now Angle Hall.
JSU’s Angle Hall honors Regions Bank’s Commercial District Director for Texas and Louisiana Marc Angle, his wife, Mary, and their daughter, Darby.
For Marc and Mary Angle, this building—and the JSU campus—is what they think of when they think of home. And, their generous financial and volunteer contributions to the university over the years is why the JSU Board of Trustees voted recently to honor the Angles with the renaming of the historic 90-year old building.
“Jacksonville State University made me who I am today,” Marc said. “It provided lifelong friendships and the ability to learn, grow and develop a foundation for success. Our family has a strong bond with JSU, and I’m deeply honored that Angle Hall will carry on our family’s commitment to a place that means so much to us.”
Marc is Regions’ Commercial Banking district director for both Texas and Louisiana. In that role, he oversees a team of Commercial bankers serving business and corporate customers across the two states. The Angles live in a Dallas suburb, but they are seen on JSU’s campus in Jacksonville, Ala., as often as they can.
JSU President Dr. Don Killingsworth provides remarks at the dedication ceremony for Angle Hall.
“The Angle family has been strong supporters of JSU – not just in their gifts, but in their dedication, their continued involvement, and their service,” Killingsworth said. “When it came time to rename our 90-year-old administration building, we could think of no other family that embodied the story of JSU quite like the Angles. They came from working- class families, worked hard to achieve the success they enjoy today, but have never forgotten where they came from. For all they have done for JSU we are proud to dedicate Angle Hall in honor of this true Gamecock Family.”
For the Angles, their love of JSU began at an early age. Mary’s earliest memories as a child include attending football games with her family. Like many youngsters, the halftime presentation was something to enjoy. It also instilled a deep desire for Mary to be part of the show as she got older.
“I always knew I wanted to go to JSU and be a Marching Ballerina. The halftime show was always spectacular,” Mary said.
Darby Angle, right, was a JSU Marching Ballerina just like her mother, Mary Angle, left. “For us, our love and support of JSU is a true family affair,” Mary said.
The Angles married in 1984 and began their life together. From the early days until now, they were committed to doing what they could to further share the impact JSU had on them with others.
“I think for me it really comes down to Luke 12:48 ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ We want to pay it forward and help other students know the power of a JSU education,” Mary said.
You need look no further than the Angle’s own daughter, Darby, to see the impact they have on recruiting students to their alma mater. A recent graduate herself, Mary said Darby’s decision to attend JSU was decided after she saw first-hand the friendships her parents had from their time at the university.
“For us, our love and support of JSU is a true family affair,” Mary said.
Marc agreed and said Darby’s time at JSU was focused on helping her become an adult grounded in service and responsibility.
“Her life is moving forward because of the experiences at JSU,” Marc said. “Just like the experiences Mary and I had here.”
Marc Angle speaks at the Angle Hall dedication ceremony on the campus of Jacksonville State University.
The Angles recently joined JSU students, faculty and administration for the official unveiling of Angle Hall. It was a moment for Marc and Mary that cemented their place in JSU history. It was a homecoming celebration that they hope pays it forward to others.
“I am deeply honored, and I hope it helps students and others know the importance of giving back with whatever means and time available,” Marc said.