Dedication Set for Lourdes University Rec Center
Lourdes University Board of Trustees Chair Sandra Hylant and President Mary Ann Gawelek, Ed.D., proudly announce the dedication ceremony of the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center. The event begins at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2016, at the McCord Road entrance in Sylvania, Ohio. A reception and Rec Center tours will follow. The Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center features indoor competition-level basketball and volleyball courts; fitness components including cardio, yoga, free weight, aerobics and spinning rooms; classrooms; training room; locker rooms; coaches’ offices; Gray Wolves suite; ticket office; concession area; two-story atrium with mezzanine level; and spirit wall. The nearly 49,000 square foot facility was designed by Stough & Stough Architects and built by Miller Diversified Construction. Seating capacity for competition is 1,000. “The best part of this expansion is that it serves the entire Lourdes community. Whether working on their personal fitness, practicing and competing in the gym, cheering on the basketball and volleyball teams or learning in a classroom, students will spend quality time in the rec center,” says President Gawelek. The goal of the project was to connect the university’s academic and campus life hubs. The first phase established a lighted pathway and landscaped grounds, lacrosse and soccer practice fields, green space, a fire pit and spirit rock. Russell J. Ebeid A renowned world business leader and adamant supporter of higher education, Russell J. Ebeid is known at Lourdes University through his support of the Student Center in Delp Hall and the academic hall both named in his honor. Over the past four decades, Mr. Ebeid has lent his expertise and support to benefit countless causes. As Retired President of Guardian Glass Group, he aided the company in becoming a global powerhouse in the glass industry. “It is my pleasure to support Lourdes University, its students and Gray Wolves teams,” says Mr. Ebeid. The Capital Campaign The dedication of the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center marks the close of a successful $10 million capital campaign that surpassed goal by more than $2 million. Additional capital campaign components included the creation of a dining hall, $4.2M in endowed chairs, professorships and scholarships for business, education, nursing, and theological studies; and $1.4M in program funding. Funding for the $6.5M Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center was provided in part through donations and bond financing. Lourdes University Athletics Program Lourdes University Gray Wolves teams compete in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Headquartered in Kansas City, MO, NAIA is a governing body of small athletics programs dedicated to character-driven athletics. Since 1937, the NAIA has administered programs and championships in proper balance with the overall college educational experience. Each year, more than 60,000 student-athletes have the opportunity to play college sports at NAIA member institutions. Lourdes University Rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, Lourdes University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, and offers baccalaureate degrees in a variety of academic majors as well as graduate degrees in business, education, nursing, organizational leadership, social work, and theology. Community outreach programs include the Appold Planetarium, the Center for Science Education & the Environment, and Lifelong Learning. A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Lourdes students can also compete in a variety of men’s and women’s sports. Named a “Best in the Midwest” college by the Princeton Review, Lourdes University is a nationally accredited, veteran and transfer-friendly institution offering a variety of student scholarships. Explore the possibilities online at www.lourdes.eduor by phone at 419-885-3211.
Press Release Contact Name: Helene Sheets
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419-824-3965
Organization Name: Lourdes University