The campaign helped to preserve our historic character while positioning the University for future success, clearly showing community members and visitors alike that this special place is worthy of significant investment. Among the achievements in support of our Place were:
- New Endowments: 4
- New Spaces: In excess of 235,000 square feet across campus
- One Big Skyline Change: The construction of the Health, Wellness, and Athletics Complex
Health, Wellness, and Athletics Complex
Having light, the campaign changed the skyline of Springfield thanks to a fully renovated and expanded 265,000-square-foot Health, Wellness & Athletics (HWA) Complex, and its centerpiece, The Steemer indoor practice facility. Made possible by an inspiring, leadership-level gift by Wes ’70 and Ann Bates ’70, and generations of Tigers, the complex has set a new standard of excellence in NCAA Division III, in community engagement, and in student success.
The HWA supports the entire student experience as it embraces the Tiger Up spirit that has defined athletes and non-athletes alike for generations. Whether used as a place to build community or train championship-level competitors, the complex positions Â鶹´«Ã½ as an innovative leader in holistic learning, health and wellness, and athletics excellence.
Beautifying Campus
Having light, the campaign helped to match Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s appearance to the reality of our love for our most tangible legacy. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, the University has been refreshed and renewed. Historic landmarks such as the Kissing Bridge, as well as the University’s , have received considerable attention, and select upgrades have occurred to further our cherished student experience, both in and outside the classroom.
In making such investments, the campaign ensured that our 114 acres make a great first impression and that our historic buildings remain welcoming, sustainable places to live and learn.
Enhancing the Learning Experience
Having light, the campaign met 21st-century learning head-on, paving the way for new spaces in such growing fields as nursing and exercise science, among other areas. Our new gross anatomy lab gives Â鶹´«Ã½ undergraduates a competitive edge, placing the University among the ranks of leading research institutions and allowing our students to do all the dissection using the best technology available.
Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s new nursing simulation house, in addition to the program’s simulation lab, also allows students to take part in active learning related to community health, critical care, mother/baby, pediatrics, and psychiatric nursing. Inside the facility, students can experience as much of the real world of nursing as possible, gaining remarkable, resume-building skills and learning by doing on a daily basis.