From surprise to legacy: The story behind Molly Reid Hall
During a recent winter sunset, guests who had been hidden in and around GrandMarc on Berry Street quickly moved to a viewing area as the evening’s honorees arrived with Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr., and his wife, Megan. As the Horned Frog Marching Band emerged, filling the air with music and flash mob-style energy, TCU Twirlers threw flaming batons in the air and a colorful graphic enveloped the building. Children, grandchildren and friends greeted and hugged the honorees, Molly and Rusty Reid, but only Molly was surprised when her name appeared in lights. It was a gift from her husband that will last generations.
“We were delighted to participate in this love story that resulted in the newly named Molly Reid Hall,” Boschini said. “We hope Molly was as surprised as Rusty hoped she would be with this announcement! And we were so pleased that so many of the Reids’ beloved friends and family were able to join us that evening to share in the joy and excitement. Their presence truly made it an evening to remember.”
The GrandMarc’s new name, Molly Reid Hall, recognizes a gift from the Reids in support of the Ed Landreth Hall Renovation Project, which is currently in the design-development phase and seeks to nurture arts innovation and creativity on the TCU campus and in the broader community.
The Reids have been instrumental in elevating the fine arts at TCU, serving as chairs of the upcoming 2025 College of Fine Arts Gala, along with their daughter and son-in-law, Sainty and Eric Nelsen, and friends, Michelle and Scott Marlow.
Whether through magnificent building projects and special events or student scholarships and a giant “Welcome Home Horned Frogs” banner in their front yard, the Reids have long demonstrated their love and commitment to TCU through their sharing of thoughtfulness, time and treasure, Boschini said.
“We are grateful to have enjoyed Molly and Rusty’s support and loyalty for so many years and for their many contributions to the growth and stature of TCU,” he said. “From the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU to athletic facilities like the Amon G. Carter Stadium expansion project to the Neeley School of Business through the TCU Sales Center — the Reid family’s generosity and faithful stewardship have helped transform TCU’s physical campus into the amazing spaces students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater Fort Worth community can all enjoy and benefit from — today and far into the future.”
The Reids were members of the TCU 150th Host Committee, playing an important role in this milestone celebration of TCU’s history and impact. They’ve been especially strong supporters of TCU Athletics, including the Frog Club. As a member of the TCU Board of Trustees, Rusty Reid is chair of the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee. Recently, he dropped everything to serve as the chair of the search committee that resulted in the hiring of TCU’s new director of intercollegiate athletics, Mike Buddie.
Through Molly Reid Hall, generations of students will experience the same warmth and hospitality the Reids have shown the TCU community for years.