Signals completion of the Aquinas’ largest capital project to date
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On Thursday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m., ñ will officially dedicate and
open the new Alksnis Athletics & Recreation Building. The event will include a ceremonial
passing of the baton around the indoor track between past, present and future runners.
The new building will also receive a blessing by Bishop David J. Walkowiak.
What: Alksnis Athletics & Recreation Building Grand Opening
When: Thursday, October 30, 10:30 a.m.
Where: 1580 Fulton Street – Convenient parking right in front of the Sturrus Sports & Fitness
Center
Speakers: Aquinas President Juan Olivarez, Athletic Director Terry Bocian, and VP for Enrollment
and Strategic Planning Paula Meehan; lead donor Greg Alksnis and Bishop David J. Walkowiak
Named after the project’s lead donor, Greg Alksnis ’71, and his family, the Alksnis
Athletics & Recreation Building houses 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 accommodates indoor practice for baseball, softball,
soccer and lacrosse.
Alksnis, co-owner of Magic Steel Corporation and an Aquinas Trustee Emeritus, was
a scholarship athlete at Aquinas. He was a star on the Aquinas 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 “Grand Slam” of the four local major titles.
Alksnis’ wife, Sally, is an athlete in her own right. She has competed in numerous
sports, been a runner and body builder, taught archery and shooting, and currently
participates in the equestrian sport of dressage.
The Alksnis Athletics & Recreation Building completes Aquinas’ state-of-the-art $14
million athletic complex. The complex also includes the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center
which opened in November, 2010.