Howard Payne University is finalizing preparations for the Tuesday, Aug. 15 grand opening of the newly renovated Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom. Doors will open at 2 p.m. for self-guided tours, and a ceremony will follow at 2:30 p.m.

Visitors may enter the Academy of Freedom building through the entrance closest to the parking lot on the Coggin Avenue side of the property.

The Academy of Freedom was recently the focus of a major renovation project to update the historic facility for revitalized use by HPU students, personnel and visitors. Home of the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, the university’s multidisciplinary honors program, the Academy of Freedom features modular classrooms, updated technology and much-needed reception and office space. Honoring the ideals that serve as the foundation for the Honors Academy, the central gallery houses HPU’s historic statue of General MacArthur and a special collection of artifacts related to his distinguished military career.