Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - A spacious new lobby has taken the place of a maze of small rooms and manufacturing cubicles at the former Sofamor Danek facility on King's Highway.
The transformation is the result of a Grace College plan to provide recreational facilities to students, a dream that began in 1999 when a vigorous capital campaign was launched. Robert and Frances Gordon donated funds to purchase the building, leading to its dedication Tuesday.
The institution's red and white color scheme dominates the center, named after its benefactors.
The building was dedicated during a 10 a.m. chapel with students, staff, board of trustees members and invited guests present.
More than 1,000 students occupied the floor space of the 30,000-square-foot fieldhouse for the ceremony. This area of the 81,000-square-foot building offers one collegiate basketball court, two practice basketball courts, a 160-meter jogging track with a 50-meter straightaway and court space for indoor volleyball, tennis and badminton. Pole vaulting, high jumping and batting can be practiced here, too.
The 25,000-square-foot fitness center has a weight training and fitness room, an aerobics room, locker room and laundry facilities and physical education offices and classrooms.
The recreation center cures many scheduling woes suffered at Lancer Gym, built in 1958, where 15 varsity athletic teams met for practice. Student tuition included YMCA memberships for physical fitness.
More than 75 percent of the residential student population participates in Grace's intramural sports program. Lance Gym's 17,000-square-foot space has just one playing floor, six basketball goals and three "insufficient locker rooms."
Groundbreaking for the $3-million facility took place in February.
Grace College President Ron Manahan gave an outline of the building's history, thanking Robert Gordon for his gift. Frances Gordon was unable to attend yesterday.
"We're grateful as a campus," he said. "We look forward to coming in and working out. I want you to know how much we appreciate it."
Long-time supporters of the campus, the Gordons also gave a $1.5-million donation toward the restoration of Westminster Hall.
Ray Monteith, a board of trustees member, talked about the impact Grace College graduates have had on the community.
"As you leave today," he said, addressing the student body, "I hope you say to yourselves, 'I'd like to be like the Gordons and give back what God has given to me.'"
Robert Gordon offered the closing prayer.
The center opened to student use following the ceremony.
On the Net: www.grace.eduQ
