News Summary
Vanguard University has officially opened the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a new facility dedicated to enhancing student life and athletic programs. With a grand investment of $41.5 million, the center boasts a modern 1,910-seat gymnasium and advanced facilities for kinesiology students. The center is expected to play a crucial role in the university’s athletic and educational mission, offering state-of-the-art resources for both training and community engagement, benefiting approximately 2,200 students.
Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has celebrated the grand opening of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a state-of-the-art facility that represents a significant investment in student life and athletic programs. The center, which cost $41.5 million to construct, spans three stories and encompasses 61,000 square feet. It is designed to host a variety of athletic events and serve as a gathering place for students throughout the academic year.
The Freed Center features a 1,910-seat gymnasium, which has already been utilized for women’s volleyball matches, marking its first competitive victory against Biola University. The Lions’ athletic programs, which include basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and stunt cheerleading, are set to benefit greatly from this new facility. As Vanguard University transitioned to NCAA Division II competition in 2023, the Freed Center will play a pivotal role in the university’s athletic ambitions.
A notable contribution of $10 million from the Freed family in March 2022 marked the largest single donation in the university’s history. This financial support was part of a total fundraising effort that raised $16 million for the center’s construction, reflecting the commitment of alumni and supporters to enhance the educational and athletic experience at Vanguard University.
Evelyn Freed, representing the Freed family, emphasized that the center would act as a refuge for students, providing a space for them to gather, learn, and compete. The facility’s modern athletic offerings include a state-of-the-art weight room, equipped with bench presses, free weights, squat racks, and outdoor workout spaces. The training room is designed to accommodate various roster sizes and includes water therapy tubs for both hot and cold treatments, along with video review capabilities.
For kinesiology students, the Freed Center offers advanced laboratory facilities, including a human performance lab and a motion analysis lab located on the second and third floors. Unique equipment such as a “Bod Pod” is available for body composition analysis, which aligns with the program’s goal to prepare students for careers in fitness, therapy, and health-related fields. The kinesiology program is thriving, with approximately 220 majors enrolled.
The Freed Center is part of a broader master plan for campus expansion, aiming to enhance the overall student experience and increase enrollment in the future. Currently, Vanguard University has around 2,200 students and is recognized as one of the oldest four-year colleges in Orange County.
The addition of the Freed Center not only elevates Vanguard University’s athletic profile but also enriches campus life. With half of the enrolled students living on campus, the center is expected to foster a vibrant community atmosphere, providing students with more opportunities to engage in physical activities and social events.
The Vanguard community is looking forward to how the Freed Center will serve as a cornerstone of leadership and service, contributing significantly to the educational mission of the university and the personal growth of its students.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard Dedicates Freed Center for Leadership and Service
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University Breaks Ground on Hybrid Arena and Learning Laboratory
- Orange County Business Journal: University Expands Sports with New $41.5M Building
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Granted Full NCAA Division II Membership
- Jimmie Pride: Men’s Volleyball Team Fall Short to Vanguard University
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- Google Search: Vanguard University
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University
- Google News: Vanguard University
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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