News Summary
Vanguard University has inaugurated the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a state-of-the-art gym and athletic facility aimed at enriching student life. The $42 million center, built through a significant donation from the Freed family, offers modern amenities such as a 2,300-square-foot weight room and sports medicine clinic. It will serve as the new home for the university’s athletic teams and will also support the kinesiology program. This opening marks a pivotal moment in Vanguard’s campus renovation efforts and aligns with its transition to NCAA Division II status.
Vanguard University has officially opened the new Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a state-of-the-art gym facility aimed at enhancing student life and supporting athletic programs. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on October 4, marking a significant step in the comprehensive renovation of the university’s 40-acre campus adjacent to the Orange County Fairgrounds. The facility, which cost nearly $42 million, represents a major investment in the university’s future.
The Freed Center was named after the Freed family, who made a landmark donation of $10 million, the largest contribution in Vanguard’s 104-year history. In total, $16 million was raised for the construction of the facility, which spans 61,000 square feet and includes a gymnasium with the capacity to seat 1,910 spectators. This facility is set to be the new home for Vanguard’s athletic teams, who have been without a permanent home for the past two years during its construction.
In addition to serving athletic purposes, the Freed Center will host Vanguard’s kinesiology program, which is the university’s third highest enrolled major. The prior athletic facility known as The Pit was demolished in 2022 to pave the way for this new building. As Vanguard transitions to NCAA Division II status, with full membership anticipated by the 2025-26 academic year, the Freed Center aligns with its goal of promoting athletic excellence.
The modern facility includes various amenities designed to support student athletes and kinesiology students alike. It features a sports medicine clinic staffed by five full-time trainers, along with treatment areas equipped with hot and cold whirlpools. A dedicated 2,300-square-foot weight room comes equipped with cutting-edge strength training equipment to foster athletic development.
The kinesiology department, which has experienced an annual enrollment growth of 10% for the past decade, will offer advanced facilities including performance and motion analysis labs with sophisticated testing equipment. With approximately 220 undergraduate majors, the program prepares students for careers in the health, fitness, and sports industries, and recently received a $500,000 grant from the Fletcher Jones Foundation.
Vanguard’s athletic program currently supports over 450 student athletes, competing in the Pacific West Conference as part of their transition to NCAA Division II. The lobby of the Freed Center is dedicated to Russ Davis, the women’s basketball coach who has been with Vanguard for nearly 30 years and has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame.
The Freed Center is a central element of Vanguard University’s ongoing expansion efforts, which were first approved in 2019. Future development plans include a new library/learning resource center, a STEM building, and a dedicated residence hall. Vanguard serves approximately 2,200 students and boasts a successful alumni network of over 35,000 individuals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UCLA Men’s Volleyball Concludes Season with NCAA Tournament Loss
Vanguard University Granted Full NCAA Division II Membership
Huntington Beach Library’s Material Restrictions Challenged
Huntington Beach High School Launches Innovative Business and Design Program
UCLA Men’s Volleyball Team Faces Challenges After NCAA Finals Loss
Vanguard University Achieves Full NCAA Division II Membership
Huntington Beach Faces Court Order on Housing Mandates
Legal Victory for Library Access in Huntington Beach
Judge Strikes Down Book Restrictions for Minors in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach Boys Volleyball Team Falls Short in CIF Championship
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Opens Freed Center
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- Franchise Wire: Family Legacy Drives Vanguard Key Clubs Franchise
- Google Search: Vanguard University
- Orange County Business Journal: Vanguard University Expands Sports Facilities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University Celebrates 100 Years
- Google News: Vanguard University News
- Fullerton Titans: New Season for Titan Gym
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
