News Summary
Vanguard University has inaugurated the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a $42 million state-of-the-art gym facility. The center, named after the Freed family who donated $10 million, features a three-story gymnasium and serves as a crucial hub for athletic teams and kinesiology programs. This opening aligns with Vanguard’s push to enhance its athletic facilities as it transitions to NCAA Division II athletics. The establishment of the center is a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing campus renovation efforts.
Costa Mesa, California – Vanguard University has officially opened the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a state-of-the-art gym facility that cost $42 million. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on October 4, signaling a significant milestone in the university’s ambitious campus renovation plan.
The Freed Center is named after the Freed family, who made a remarkable $10 million contribution towards its construction in 2022—this generous donation marks the largest in the history of Vanguard University. The university successfully raised a total of $16 million for the project, which features a spacious 61,000-square-foot design that will house multiple athletic and academic functions.
One of the standout features of the Freed Center is its three-story gymnasium, designed to accommodate 1,910 spectators. This facility will serve as the new home for Vanguard’s athletic teams, which had been without a dedicated venue during a two-year construction period. The opening of this center comes as part of Vanguard’s transition to NCAA Division II athletics, with hopes of competing in the Pacific West Conference.
Facility Highlights
The Freed Center not only serves as a gym but also plays a crucial role in the university’s kinesiology program—one of its fastest-growing academic areas. The building includes a well-equipped sports medicine clinic featuring five full-time trainers, treatment tables, hot and cold whirlpools, and more, all aimed at supporting athlete recovery. Furthermore, a newly outfitted 2,300-square-foot weight room replaces older equipment and is a significant upgrade for the athletics program.
In addition to athletic facilities, the upper levels of the Freed Center are dedicated to performance and motion analysis labs, which will enhance the kinesiology department. The department has seen a consistent enrollment growth of 10% each year, with approximately 220 undergraduate majors currently enrolled. To support this growth, the kinesiology department received a $500,000 grant from the Fletcher Jones Foundation to outfit the new labs with advanced equipment.
Legacy and Future Prospects
The lobby of the Freed Center honors Russ Davis, who has been the women’s basketball coach at Vanguard for nearly 30 years. Davis is recognized for his remarkable contributions to the university and has received multiple Coach of the Year awards, as well as being inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame.
The Freed Center is part of a comprehensive 30-year master plan for Vanguard University, which includes future developments such as a library and learning resource center and additional residential facilities aimed to enhance the student experience. This strategic planning is reflected in the recent completion of the $24 million Waugh Student Center, which opened in 2020.
Conclusion
Vanguard University, which has an enrollment of around 2,200 students and boasts over 35,000 alumni, aims to significantly improve its facilities and environment for students. The establishment of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service marks a pivotal step in this ongoing endeavor, fostering both athletic and academic growth for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard Dedicates Freed Center for Leadership and Service
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- Orange County Business Journal: University Expands Sports with New $41.5M Building
- Google Search: Vanguard University
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Granted Full NCAA Division II Membership
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University athletics
- Franchise Wire: Family Legacy Drives Vanguard Key Clubs Franchise
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University Turns 100, Celebrates Opening $12.9 Million Student Center
- Google News: Vanguard University updates
