News Summary
Vanguard University has officially opened the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a state-of-the-art gym facility costing nearly $42 million. This three-story building spans 61,000 square feet and serves both athletic and educational purposes. Funded by a notable $10 million donation from the Freed family, it features a gymnasium for 1,910 spectators, a kinesiology program, and a sports medicine clinic, enhancing the university’s offerings and supporting its shift to NCAA Division II status.
Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has officially opened its new gym facility, the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, which cost nearly $42 million to construct. The grand unveiling took place on October 4, 2023, and marks a significant enhancement to the university’s athletic and educational infrastructure.
The Freed Center, a three-story building spanning 61,000 square feet, serves a dual purpose as both an athletics and learning center. Funds for the construction included a remarkable $10 million donation from the Freed family, local philanthropists, making it the largest contribution in the history of Vanguard University, which has been educating students for 104 years. Overall, $16 million was raised for the construction of the facility, which replaces the old gym known as “The Pit,” demolished in 2022.
The facility features a gymnasium that can accommodate up to 1,910 spectators, enabling it to host a variety of events, including basketball games and community gatherings. Vanguard University has been without a dedicated home for its athletic teams for the past two years due to construction delays. With the opening of the Freed Center, teams will now have a state-of-the-art environment to train and compete.
Moreover, the Freed Center houses Vanguard’s rapidly growing kinesiology program, which has around 220 undergraduate majors. This program has seen consistent growth of approximately 10% in enrollment annually over the past decade. The kinesiology department will benefit from sophisticated performance and motion analysis labs featuring advanced technology for physiological testing. A significant $500,000 grant from the Fletcher Jones Foundation was instrumental in equipping these labs with cutting-edge testing technology.
The Freed Center also prioritizes athlete health with a sports medicine clinic that includes five full-time trainers dedicated to treating injuries. A 2,300-square-foot weight room equipped with new workout equipment is available for students and athletes, enhancing the university’s commitment to promoting physical fitness among its community members.
As part of a broader strategy, Vanguard University is transitioning to NCAA Division II status and will begin competing in the Pacific West (PacWest) Conference during the current academic year. The campus development is a part of an ambitious master plan approved by the city of Costa Mesa in 2019, aimed at improving the university’s facilities over a 30-year timeline. Future developments include a library/learning resource center, a STEM building, and additional housing options for students.
Vanguard University currently enrolls approximately 2,200 students and boasts a rich alumni network of over 35,000 individuals. The advancements represented by the Freed Center reflect the university’s commitment to providing its students and athletes with top-tier facilities designed to foster both academic and athletic success.
As Vanguard University continues to grow and evolve, the Freed Center for Leadership and Service is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience of its students while supporting the university’s athletic programs.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University 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 Freed Center
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Saying Goodbye to The Pit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University Turns 100
- Google News: Vanguard University Athletics
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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