450 Student Athletes to attend ceremony
Published on
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. 鈥� On September 25, 2013, the official groundbreaking of the Aquinas
College Alksnis Athletics & Recreation Building 鈥� formerly referred to as 鈥淧hase II鈥�
鈥� will take place at 10:30 a.m. Named for the family of Greg Alksnis 鈥�71 and the lead
donor to the project, the Alksnis Athletics & Recreation Building will house a 200-meter
NCAA-certified track and a turf infield that will also feature portable courts for
use by intramural and junior varsity teams. In addition, the space will accommodate
indoor practice for baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
Greg Alksnis 鈥�71, co-owner of Magic Steel Corporation and an Aquinas Trustee Emeritus
was a scholarship athlete at Aquinas. Greg was a star on the golf team and continued
to distinguish himself on the links as an amateur throughout his life. An Aquinas
College 2006 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Greg is one of only three golfers to
win the 鈥淕rand Slam鈥� of the four local major titles.
Greg鈥檚 wife, Sally, is an athlete in her own right. She has competed in numerous sports,
has been a runner and body builder, has taught archery and shooting, and now channels
her passion for athletics into the equestrian sport of dressage.
鈥溌堂币� provided the opportunity for me to develop in body, mind and spirit,鈥�
said Greg Alksnis. 鈥淐ollege athletics whether they are Intramural, team or club competition
are important to the overall college experience. It has been my desire to support
Aquinas in its commitment to promote a healthy competitive spirit in its students
along with the value of maintaining a healthy body throughout their lives. 鈥� He added,
鈥淚 owe much gratitude to my parents who instilled in me a strong work ethic which
was nurtured further during my years as an Aquinas student and athlete. I am proud
that in recognition of my parents the new facility will bear the Alksnis name.鈥�
The Alksnises chose to support the Intramural & Recreation Building project because
of their commitment to the College and its students, and in the spirit of paying forward
the help Greg received as a developing athlete.
鈥溌堂币� is grateful to Greg and Sally Alksnis for their unwavering support
and commitment to the college and its students,鈥� said Dr. Juan R. Olivarez, president
of 绿帽淫妻. 鈥淭heir generous lead gift of $1.5 million to this building will
benefit the athletes, the total student body, and the Aquinas and broader community
today and in to the future.鈥� President Olivarez stated, 鈥淲e are proud to name the
new facility after the Alksnis family.鈥�
The Alksnis Athletics & Recreation Building will complete the $14 million athletic
complex begun with the construction of the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center which opened
in November, 2010.
What: Alksnis Athletics & Recreation Building Groundbreaking 鈥� over 450 students in attendance
When: Wednesday, September 25, 10:30 am
Where: 1580 Fulton St. 鈥� Convenient parking right in front of the Sturrus Sports & Fitness
Center
BUILDING FEATURES:
鈥� Close to 70,000 square feet
鈥� 200 meter, NCAA-certified track with all of the amenities for track and field events
鈥� Wooden floor courts for basketball, volleyball, cheerleading and dance
鈥� Practice areas for baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, golf and intramurals
鈥� Extensive curtaining system will allow for multiple uses simultaneously