News Summary
Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California, has officially opened the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a new state-of-the-art gym facility costing $42 million. Named in honor of a historic $10 million donation from the Freed family, the 61,000-square-foot center features a multi-purpose gym, sports medicine clinic, and advanced kinesiology programs. The facility marks a significant milestone in the university’s campus overhaul to enhance educational and athletic experiences for students. As the university transitions to NCAA Division II, the Freed Center is set to play a pivotal role in its athletic future.
Costa Mesa, California – Vanguard University Celebrates Opening of Freed Center for Leadership and Service
On October 4, Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California, officially opened the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a state-of-the-art gym facility that cost nearly $42 million. This significant milestone marks the second phase of an extensive campus overhaul aimed at enhancing the educational and athletic experience for students.
The center is dedicated to the Freed family, who made a historic donation of $10 million in 2022, the largest single contribution in the university’s 104-year history. The total funds raised for the construction of the Freed Center amounted to $16 million, covering an expansive 61,000 square feet across three stories.
Features and Facilities
The Freed Center boasts a multi-purpose gymnasium that has the capacity to seat up to 1,910 spectators, making it the new home for Vanguard’s athletic teams. These teams have been without a venue for two years during the construction of the new facility. In addition to its athletic capabilities, the center features a comprehensive kinesiology program, which ranks as Vanguard’s third most popular major and is one of the fastest-growing programs at the institution.
The previous gymnasium known as “The Pit” was demolished in 2022 to pave the way for this modern replacement, due to its age of over 80 years. The Freed Center also includes a dedicated sports medicine clinic, equipped with five full-time trainers, treatment tables, and whirlpools designed for athlete recovery.
Further enhancing physical training opportunities, the facility features a 2,300-square-foot weight room outfitted with new equipment, designed to replace outdated facilities that were previously used by student-athletes. The kinesiology department within the center is equipped with performance and motion analysis laboratories utilizing advanced technology, supported by a $500,000 grant from the Fletcher Jones Foundation.
Kinesiology Program Growth
The kinesiology program at Vanguard University has witnessed an annual growth rate of 10%, boasting approximately 220 students enrolled in various degree tracks. Plans are underway to introduce a graduate program and an adult education program within the kinesiology department, further solidifying the university’s commitment to education and career advancement.
NCAA Division II Transition
As Vanguard transitions to NCAA Division II athletics, it will compete in the Pacific West Conference starting this year. This change highlights the university’s ambition to enhance its athletic programs in conjunction with the improved facilities offered by the Freed Center.
Honor for a Legendary Coach
The facility’s lobby is named after Russ Davis, a revered women’s basketball coach who is approaching his 30th anniversary in that role. Having been inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame, Davis has a well-established career marked by national championships and a commendable record that showcases his impact on student-athletes.
Future Expansion Plans
Vanguard University’s current expansion initiatives are part of an overarching 30-year master plan approved in 2019, which aims to enhance campus facilities with a library and learning resource center, a STEM building, a new residence hall, and additional parking spaces.
Currently, Vanguard University serves around 2,200 students and has over 35,000 alumni. The opening of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service signifies a promising future for both students and the broader community, reinforcing the university’s mission to foster leadership, service, and academic excellence.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Opens Freed Center
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- Orange County Business Journal: Vanguard University Expands Sports Facilities
- Google Search: Vanguard University
- Franchise Wire: Family Legacy Drives Vanguard Key Clubs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University 100th Anniversary
- Google News: Vanguard University
