By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) –Louisiana College honored Carroll and Elizabeth Hixson with the unveiling of a historical marker in front of the student center that bears their name during its annual Founders Day celebration Oct. 24.
“The Hixsons believed that everyone should have access to a Christian education,” LC President Rick Brewer read from a description on the marker. “Their gift of the Hixson Student Center testifies to the unified hearts, shared convictions and exemplary lives of Carroll and Elizabeth Hixson.”
Carroll Hixson was a long-time co-owner of Hixson Funeral Homes, with multiple locations in the state, and served faithfully for 56 years at the First Baptist Church in Lake Charles in various roles that included deacon and Sunday school teacher.
His love for Louisiana Baptists eventually led him to serve as a trustee with LC for 28 years, including a stint as chairman.
The Hixson heritage traces back to 1907, when his father, J.E. Hixson, was an adjunct professor, according to the LC Office of Communication.
In the ensuring years, other family members enrolled as students: Lauren Hixson Philips, an alumna and accountant in Lake Charles; Emma Hixson, a pre-med student and member of the Wildcats tennis team, and Meggie Hixson, an alumna and doctor serving as a missionary in Tanzania.
Lauren Philips and Emma Hixson both attended the Founders Day event.
Family and close friends joined administrators, faculty, staff and students at the Hixson Student Center for the unveiling of a historical marker honoring the Hixsons. The school named the student center in their honor on Dec. 12, 1994. Recently, the building has undergone several additions including a new game room, Starbucks coffee shop and a Chick-fil-A.
John Hixson, the son of Carroll Hixson and a member of the LC board of trustees, reflected moments earlier inside Guinn Auditorium on how his father showed Christ-centered integrity as a businessman in Lake Charles, and challenged students to make Jesus their foundation upon entering the work force.
“That foundation will be with you forever,” Hixson said. “And you can make a difference in whatever you are doing, and that matters.
“God has given you talents and abilities you can use for the Kingdom,” he continued. “The Kingdom of God is relational. Think and pray about those talents and blessings that God has given you.”
Paul Hixson, another son of Carroll Hixson, asked students to reflect on how they can impact their world for Christ.
“You are at a time in your life when you have some decisions to make,” he said. “What’s your legacy going to be? The decisions you make are going to prepare you for the rest of your life.”
