Athletics Headlines: MBU Receives $500,000 Challenge Grant for New Spartan Sports and Recreation Complex

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July 21, 2008

MBU Receives $500,000 Challenge Grant for New Spartan Sports and Recreation Complex

Missouri Baptist University is the recipient of a $500,000 challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, University leaders have announced.

The grant will be used toward the construction of the new Spartan Sports and Recreation Complex. In order to meet the grant’s challenge, MBU must raise the remaining $1.2 million needed to complete funding for the $7.5 million sports and recreation complex within one year.

“We are honored to accept this challenge grant issued by the Mabee Foundation,” said Dr. R. Alton Lacey, MBU president. “This grant will not only provide a substantial amount of funding toward our goal but will also greatly bolster our ability to complete this project through its challenge.”

The new 30,000 sq. foot sports and recreation complex will include a 1,200-seat gymnasium, locker rooms, a concession area in Spartan Hall, an expanded training and fitness center, new classrooms and offices for faculty and coaching staff. The complex will be erected adjacent to the Muncy Gymnasium, adjoined to the current facility by a common area

The initiative to build the sports and recreation project is part of The Campaign for Missouri Baptist University, an $18 million partnership opportunity aimed at raising cash and deferred gifts. The Campaign, the largest in the University’s history, will provide resources for scholarship endowments, upgrades for the Natural Science and Health and Sport Sciences Division, and capital improvements.