News Summary
Vanguard University has inaugurated the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a state-of-the-art gym facility located in Costa Mesa, California. The $42 million center covers 61,000 square feet and is dedicated to the Freed family, who made a historic $10 million donation. The center will house athletic teams and support the growing kinesiology program, which has seen a 10% annual enrollment growth. It includes modern amenities like a sports medicine clinic and performance labs, enhancing the university’s commitment to providing exceptional educational and athletic facilities.
Vanguard University Unveils New Freed Center for Leadership and Service
Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California, has officially opened its new gym facility, the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, during a grand opening ceremony on October 4, 2023. The construction of the facility cost nearly $42 million and marks a significant development for the university’s campus.
The Freed Center, which covers a substantial 61,000 square feet, is dedicated to the Freed family, who made a landmark donation of $10 million to the project in 2022. This donation stands as the largest gift in Vanguard University’s 104-year history. Additionally, the university managed to raise a total of $16 million dedicated to the construction of the new facility.
The new center includes a gymnasium that can accommodate up to 1,910 spectators and will serve as the new home for Vanguard’s athletic teams, which had been without a dedicated facility for two years during the construction phase. The kinesiology program, which is the third most popular major at the university, will also be housed within the Freed Center, accommodating the growing number of students pursuing health, fitness, and sports careers.
Facility Highlights and Features
The Freed Center features several state-of-the-art amenities, including:
- A sports medicine clinic staffed by five full-time trainers, equipped with treatment tables and hot and cold whirlpools.
- A new 2,300-square-foot weight room featuring the latest fitness equipment.
- A human performance lab and a motion analysis lab, bolstered by a $500,000 grant for cutting-edge equipment.
In addition to athletic functions, the facility’s lobby honors Russ Davis, the head coach of the women’s basketball team, who is approaching his 30th anniversary in that role. Davis holds a prestigious record as one of the most successful active coaches in the NAIA Hall of Fame, having achieved the most wins at the NAIA National Championships.
Background and Future Plans
The Freed Center’s inauguration coincides with Vanguard University’s transition to NCAA Division II status, with its teams now competing in the Pacific West (PacWest) Conference. The newly established facility replaces the previous gym, known as “The Pit,” which was demolished in 2022 as part of the university’s effort to update its infrastructure.
Over the past decade, the kinesiology department has experienced a substantial annual enrollment growth of 10%, currently serving 220 undergraduate majors. The university serves approximately 2,200 students, with plans to boost enrollment to over 3,000 as part of its long-term growth strategy. The development of the Freed Center is part of the university’s larger campus overhaul, which includes plans for additional facilities such as a new library, a STEM building, and more parking spaces to accommodate the anticipated growth in student population.
The opening of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service represents a new chapter in Vanguard University’s commitment to enhancing the educational experience and providing robust facilities for both its academic and athletic programs.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Dedicates Freed Center
- Wikipedia: NCAA Division II
- OC Register: Vanguard University Celebrates 100 Years
- Google Search: Vanguard University
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Granted NCAA Membership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College
- Island Packet: News Summary on Vanguard
- Google News: Vanguard University Freed Center
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.
