News Summary
Vanguard University has inaugurated its state-of-the-art Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a $42 million athletic facility designed to enhance student-athlete experiences. The new center features a gymnasium, sports medicine clinic, and upgraded weight room, benefiting over 450 student-athletes. Named after the Freed family, who made a significant donation, the center also aligns with the university’s campus development plan to modernize facilities and improve educational experiences for its 2,200 students.
Costa Mesa, California — Vanguard University has officially launched its new athletic facility, the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 4, 2023. The project, which cost nearly $42 million, represents a significant upgrade to the university’s campus facilities and athletic programs.
The Freed Center is named in honor of the Freed family, who contributed a historic $10 million philanthropic gift to the university in 2022, marking the largest donation in Vanguard’s 104-year history. A total of $16 million was raised specifically for the construction of the state-of-the-art, 61,000-square-foot building.
The new center features a gymnasium that can seat up to 1,910 spectators, providing ample space for Vanguard’s athletic teams and events. As construction is now complete, over 450 student-athletes will benefit from this modern facility.
Modern Amenities and Upgraded Programs
In addition to the gymnasium, the Freed Center includes a sports medicine clinic equipped with five full-time trainers and recovery equipment for athletes. A 2,300-square-foot weight room boasts new fitness machinery, offering significant improvements over the outdated facilities of the previous gym, commonly referred to as “The Pit,” which was demolished in 2022.
Furthermore, the Freed Center enhances the university’s kinesiology program, which ranks as the third highest enrolled major at Vanguard and is among its fastest-growing academic programs. The program has experienced a 10% annual growth in enrollment over the past decade and now includes around 220 students preparing for careers in health, fitness, and sports industries.
Advanced Learning and Future Plans
To further bolster the kinesiology program, a $500,000 grant has been secured to equip performance and motion analysis labs with advanced testing tools. There are ambitious plans to launch a graduate program and an adult education program within the kinesiology department in the near future.
The lobby of the Freed Center honors Russ Davis, the former head coach of the women’s basketball team at Vanguard. Davis is recognized for his numerous coaching accolades and induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame.
Campus Development and Vision
The Freed Center is a part of Vanguard University’s long-term campus master plan initiated in 2019. Other developments in this plan include the recently opened Waugh Student Center, with future projects slated to encompass a library, a STEM building, a new residence hall, and expanded parking facilities.
Michael Beals, Vanguard University’s president, underscored the importance of modern facilities in enriching students’ educational experiences. The ongoing improvements underscore the university’s commitment to adapting to evolving student needs while fostering both intellectual and spiritual growth. Currently, Vanguard has an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students, located in Costa Mesa, California.
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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 athletic facilities
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Saying Goodbye to The Pit
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University Turns 100, Celebrates Opening $12.9 Million Student Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University
- Franchise Wire: Vanguard Key Clubs Franchise Offers Innovative Fitness Model
- Google News: Vanguard University Freed Center
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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