Habitat For Humanity Founder To Speak At Chapel-Forum Mar. 1

February 22, 2000

by Lori Scott Fogleman

WACO, Texas -- Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) founder and president Millard Fuller will speak during Baylor University's Chapel-Forum at 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesday, Mar. 1, in Waco Hall.
A graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama Law School at Tuscaloosa, Fuller and a college friend began a marketing firm while still in school, an experience that made Fuller a millionaire by the age of 29. But as Fuller's business prospered, his health, integrity and marriage suffered. Re-evaluating his values and direction, he reconciled with his wife, Linda, and renewed his commitment to Christ. The Fullers then decided to sell all of their possessions, give the money to the poor and begin searching for a new focus for their lives, founding Habitat in 1976.
Now a worldwide Christian housing ministry and the largest house builder among nonprofit organizations, Habitat volunteers have built homes with more than 75,000 families in need in 1,500 U.S. cities and 62 countries. Under Fuller's leadership, more than 375,000 people have safe, decent and affordable shelter because of Habitat's work around the world.
Fuller travels and speaks worldwide and has earned international recognition for his work with Habitat. He has been awarded numerous honors, including being named one of the most influential people in home building in the U.S. in the 20th century by Builder magazine. In 1996, President Clinton awarded Fuller the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Fuller has written several books about his experiences with Habitat for Humanity. His latest book, More Than Houses, tells inspiring stories from around the world of families whose lives have been changed through partnership with Habitat.
For more information, contact Dr. Todd Lake, dean of chapel and minister to the university community, at 710-3517.