Samford University recently honored the family of Robert and Barbara Crider by naming a central campus gathering space Crider Commons, recognizing a multi-generational legacy of faith, service, and commitment to Christian education.

Samford alumni, the Criders served for many years as Baptist missionaries in Spain, where they taught at the Baptist Seminary in Alcobendas and led the Summer Camp in Dénia throughout the 1970s. In recognition of their faithful service in Dénia, Colegio Alfa & Omega named its dining hall after the Criders—a facility built under their leadership that also served as the school’s first home.

Their son Todd Crider, along with his siblings Stephanie and Tim, are also Samford alumni and were deeply shaped by their parents’ missionary example and by enduring family ties to Samford that span decades. Today, Todd continues this legacy through generous support of Christ-centered education and youth development, including his faithful involvement with the Dénia Bridges Foundation and other charitable efforts around the world.

Situated among Samford’s new residence halls and designed to foster community and spiritual formation, Crider Commons stands as a tangible reminder of purposeful, faith-driven stewardship and its lasting impact on future generations.

To read Samford University’s full story about the dedication and the Crider family’s history, visit: https://www.samford.edu/news/2025/09/Samford-University-Dedicates-Residence-Halls-in-Tribute-Trailblazer-Audrey-Lattimore-Gaston-Howard-Philanthropist-Marvin-Mann