News Summary
Vanguard University has inaugurated the Freed Center, a $42 million state-of-the-art gym facility. Located on campus, it serves both athletic teams and the kinesiology program, enhancing resources and educational offerings. The new center features modern training spaces and is part of the university’s broader initiative to improve campus facilities and support NCAA Division II competition.
Costa Mesa, CA – Vanguard University has officially inaugurated the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a state-of-the-art gym facility constructed at the cost of nearly $42 million. The grand opening ceremony for this new addition to the university’s 40-acre campus, strategically located adjacent to the Orange County Fairgrounds, took place on October 4.
The Freed Center, named after the Freed family, who generously donated $10 million—the largest contribution in the institution’s 104-year history—signifies a milestone for Vanguard University. In total, the university has raised $16 million toward the $41.5 million facility’s construction, marking a significant step in enhancing campus facilities and athletic resources.
The new three-story, 61,000-square-foot building features a gymnasium with seating for 1,910 spectators, providing a dedicated home for the university’s athletic teams after two years without a proper facility. The previous athletic home, known as “The Pit,” was demolished in 2022 to make way for the new center.
In addition to serving athletic purposes, the Freed Center will house Vanguard’s kinesiology program, which has become the university’s third most popular major, exhibiting a 10% enrollment growth every year. The kinesiology department currently enrolls around 220 undergraduate majors and plans to introduce both a graduate program and an adult education program in the field.
The first floor of the Freed Center includes a sports medicine clinic, which employs five full-time trainers and features advanced recovery facilities, including hot and cold whirlpools. The weight room within the center encompasses 2,300 square feet, equipped with brand-new training equipment significantly upgraded from past facilities.
Furthermore, the kinesiology department has expanded its space within the Freed Center to incorporate performance and motion analysis labs for students, supported by a grant of $500,000 from the Fletcher Jones Foundation. The center also includes a lobby named in honor of Russ Davis, the head coach of women’s basketball at the university for nearly three decades.
As part of Vanguard University’s broader campus improvement initiative, the Freed Center is one of several new developments aimed at elevating the educational and athletic experience for students. The university is transitioning to compete at a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II level, with their first season in the Pacific West Conference scheduled to commence this year. This transition may take up to three years and is in alignment with the university’s goals to enhance both its athletic and academic offerings.
Vanguard University’s ongoing expansion plans also include the construction of a new library, a STEM building, a residence hall, and increased parking facilities, all part of a 30-year master plan that was approved by the city of Costa Mesa in 2019. Currently, the university serves approximately 2,200 students and boasts more than 35,000 alumni, positioning itself as a significant educational institution in the region.
The opening of the Freed Center represents a substantial investment in the future of Vanguard University, with hopes of fostering a new era of leadership and service for both current and prospective students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Jamestown Men’s Volleyball Team Loses to Vanguard University
Vanguard University Receives $900,000 Grant for Foster Youth Program
Vanguard University Students Launch Human Trafficking Awareness Program
UCLA Men’s Volleyball Program Showcases Legacy of Success
Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program
Huntington Beach Voters Ensure Library Independence
Huntington Beach: A Showdown of Ideals on ‘No Kings Day’
Costa Mesa Celebrates Vanguard University’s New Freed Center
Vanguard University Receives $900,000 Grant for Foster Youth Program
Meta Boosts AI Ambitions with $14.3 Billion Investment
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Dedicates Freed Center
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University Turns 100
- Franchise Wire: Family Legacy Drives Vanguard Key Clubs Franchise
- Franchise Wire: Innovative Fitness Model by Vanguard Key Clubs
- Jimmie Pride: Men’s Volleyball Team Falls Short to Vanguard University
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- Google Search: Vanguard University
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University
- Google News: Vanguard University
