News Summary
Vanguard University has unveiled the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a $42 million facility that enhances athletic and academic infrastructure. Named after the Freed family, who donated $10 million, this center features modern athletic facilities, including a gymnasium, weight room, and sports medicine clinic. It emphasizes the university’s growth in kinesiology programs and supports its transition to NCAA Division II. The Freed Center stands as a commitment to providing exceptional experiences for students and improving campus life for over 2,200 enrolled students.
Costa Mesa, California – Vanguard University has officially opened its new facility, the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, with an investment close to $42 million. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on October 4, 2023, marking a significant milestone for the university and its athletic programs.
The Freed Center was named in honor of the Freed family, who made a record-breaking donation of $10 million toward its construction in 2022. This contribution stands as the largest single donation in Vanguard University’s 104-year history, demonstrating the family’s commitment to enhancing the university’s infrastructure.
To develop this state-of-the-art facility, Vanguard University raised a total of $16 million, contributing to a broader campus overhaul that spans its 40-acre site adjacent to the Orange County Fairgrounds. The new building replaces “The Pit,” which was demolished in 2022, and provides the university’s athletic teams with a dedicated home after they operated without one for two years.
The Freed Center encompasses three stories and features a gymnasium that covers 61,000 square feet, accommodating up to 1,910 spectators. This multi-purpose facility will not only host sporting events but is also designed to support Vanguard’s rapidly growing kinesiology program, which has experienced an annual enrollment growth of 10% over the past decade, now boasting approximately 220 undergraduate majors.
Alongside athletic facilities, the Freed Center includes a sports medicine clinic staffed with five full-time trainers to assist with athlete injuries. This clinic is equipped with treatment tables and hot/cold whirlpools for rehabilitation and recovery processes.
A standout feature of the Freed Center is the newly constructed 2,300-square-foot weight room, furnished with modern training equipment. The upper levels of the center house performance and motion analysis labs specifically designed to accommodate the kinesiology program’s needs, reflecting the university’s commitment to enhancing its academic offerings in sports science.
The kinesiology department has also been tasked with utilizing a $500,000 grant aimed at acquiring advanced equipment, which includes various physiological testing devices to aid in student training and research opportunities. This investment is pivotal for sustaining the program’s growth and aligning with current industry standards in kinesiology education.
The lobby of the Freed Center is named after Russ Davis, the head coach of the women’s basketball team, who has been associated with Vanguard for nearly 30 years. Under his leadership, the team has achieved several accolades, including induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame and multiple Coach of the Year awards.
With the opening of the Freed Center, Vanguard University’s athletic programs can look forward to new dedicated areas, including updated locker rooms equipped with video review capabilities to enhance the training process.
Vanguard University is in the process of transitioning to a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II school, a development projected to be completed by 2025. This progress aligns with the university’s broader 30-year expansion plan, which includes additional new buildings, such as a library, a STEM facility, and new residence halls, further enriching the campus experience of its approximately 2,200 enrolled students and over 35,000 alumni.
As Vanguard continues to grow, the Freed Center for Leadership and Service stands as a testament to its commitment to providing students with exceptional athletic, academic, and personal development experiences.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Granted Full NCAA Division II Membership
- Wikipedia: NCAA Division II
- Orange County Business Journal: University Expands Sports with New $41.5M Building
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Sports
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard Dedicates Freed Center for Leadership and Service
- Google Search: Vanguard University Freed Center
- Franchise Wire: Family Legacy Drives Vanguard Key Clubs Franchise
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University Turns 100
- Google News: Vanguard University Athletics
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.
