News Summary
Vanguard University has unveiled the Freed Center for Leadership and Service in Costa Mesa, a $42 million state-of-the-art gym facility. Officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, this facility will support Vanguard’s athletic teams and kinesiology program. Named after the Freed family, who contributed $10 million, this center features modern amenities, including a sports medicine clinic and a weight room. As Vanguard transitions to NCAA Division II status, the Freed Center is pivotal for enhancing athletic capabilities and fostering growth in student enrollment.
Costa Mesa Celebrates Vanguard University’s New Freed Center for Leadership and Service
Costa Mesa, CA – Vanguard University has officially unveiled the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a state-of-the-art gym facility that cost nearly $42 million. A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 4 marked the completion of this significant addition to the university’s campus, which is located next to the Orange County Fairgrounds.
Named in honor of the Freed family, who donated $10 million towards its construction in 2022, the Freed Center represents the largest financial gift in the school’s 104-year history. In total, $16 million was raised to fund the facility’s construction, which tallies approximately $41.5 million.
The Freed Center is an expansive three-story building, covering 61,000 square feet. This facility is designed to meet the needs of Vanguard’s athletic teams, which have been without a dedicated home for two years while construction was underway. The gymnasium has a seating capacity of 1,910 spectators, providing ample space for sporting events and gatherings.
Academic and Athletic Enhancements
Aside from serving as a venue for athletic teams, the Freed Center will also facilitate Vanguard’s kinesiology program, which is the university’s third most popular major and is rapidly growing. The facility replaces the former venue known as “The Pit,” which was demolished in 2022 due to its antiquated infrastructure, with an age of over 80 years.
The Director of Athletics highlighted the pressing need to modernize from The Pit to a new facility due to its age. As Vanguard transitions to NCAA Division II status, competing in the Pacific West (PacWest) Conference, the arrival of the Freed Center is timely and crucial for the university’s athletic aspirations.
The Freed Center includes a sports medicine clinic staffed by five full-time trainers, comprehensive recovery amenities like treatment tables and hot/cold whirlpools. Furthermore, a new 2,300-square-foot weight room has been established, featuring updated equipment that replaces older facilities.
Support for Kinesiology Program
The kinesiology department has benefited from the new Freed Center as well. It now features performance and motion analysis labs supported by a $500,000 grant from the Fletcher Jones Foundation, allowing for high-tech resources to enhance the learning experience. This program has experienced an impressive 10% growth in enrollments annually over the past decade, boasting approximately 220 undergraduate students. Plans for new graduate and adult education programs are also under consideration.
The lobby of the Freed Center pays tribute to Russ Davis, a longstanding women’s basketball coach at Vanguard, recognized for his nearly 30-year tenure and his induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame.
Future Development Plans
Vanguard University is not stopping with the Freed Center; it has commenced a 30-year master plan for campus expansion. The campus already opened a $24 million Waugh Student Center in 2020, and future developments include constructing additional facilities such as a library/learning resource center, a STEM building, and a residence hall, along with enhancements to parking areas.
The master plan was initially approved by Costa Mesa in 2019, aimed at improving student enrollment and overall campus experience. Vanguard University currently caters to around 2,200 students and boasts over 35,000 alumni.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Celebrates Vanguard University’s New Freed Center for Leadership and Service
- Orange County Business Journal: University Expands Sports with New $41.5M Building
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Saying Goodbye to The Pit
- OC Register: Vanguard University Turns 100, Celebrates Opening $12.9 Million Student Center
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- Google Search: Vanguard University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University
- Google News: Vanguard University
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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