By Jenny Gregory
For the past few months, those who drive on the Truett McConnell University campus have seen and heard the mammoth construction site containing the George Blaurock Student Wellness Center.
Once covered with acres of pine trees, the site now indicates just how massive the 69,000 sq. ft. project will be upon completion.
“The SWC is moving along on schedule with an April 1, 2017 date for completion,” said Dr. Gary Jarnagin, TMU Director of Advancement.
“The cost of the building is 13.3 million dollars which includes fixtures and furniture,” Jarnagin said. “We have roughly spent $6.8 million thus far on the building. We are in our Finish Strong campaign and we hope to raise between $300,000 and $500,000 between now and April 1, 2017.
The Student Wellness Center, which is the largest capital project ever undertaken in the history of Truett McConnell University, will include an aquatic center, aerobics room, fitness center, racquetball courts and restaurant, among other amenities.
Jarnagin shared that the first-class facility will provide a place for students, faculty, staff and community to get physically fit and the means for “events such as concerts, sports programs, graduations, sports camps and other community events will take place once the building is completed.
Currently, the University is promoting the Finish Strong campaign which hopes to raise between $300,000 and $500,000 between now and April 1 of next year.
There are numerous opportunities to donate to specific areas within the larger building scope which offer donors a chance to name those areas to honor family, friends, and loved ones.
Naming opportunities are also available within the facility including: an Audio/Visual Package at $125,000, Aerobics Room at $50,000, 2 Men’s Locker Rooms at $50,000 per locker room, 1 Women’s Locker Room at $50,000, 2 Small Office’s at $5,000 per small office.
The future looks boundless for the TMU campus as it grows in student enrollment, degree offerings and facility expansions.
For the Student Wellness Center, aquatic center excavation is complete, the interior infrastructure for electrical and plumbing is being completed, finishing touches on the roof and siding, with the exception of the southeast-end, will be the next to be completed along with concrete to be poured over the next 90 days.
“The next goal for TMU,” Jarnagin explained, “is to begin looking at scheduling the grand-opening on or near April 1, 2017. The primary parties will be meeting in early January to begin to plan the festivities schedule surrounding the opening of the largest foot-print on campus, the George Blaurock Student Wellness Center.”
With the building reaching its projected completion date, Jarnagin added “Participate in our dream. With individual and businesses being able to use their gift as a tax deductible, now is the time to end the 2016 year with a good tax deductible gift.”
Help TMU train-up the next generation of Christian leaders, invest in eternity. Learn more at truett.edu/whateveristrue or by donating to Advancement, 100 Alumni Dr. Cleveland, GA 30528.
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Jenny Gregory is the Content Manager for TMU.
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