July 1, 2025

Vanguard University Opens New Freed Center for Leadership and Service

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.

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Additional Resources

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.

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