On a snowy and cold 26th February, friends, donors, former student leaders, and university officials gathered to celebrate the much-anticipated opening of the George S. Eccles Student Life Center. At the top of the four-story climbing wall, students were gripping their way to the top, working out in the expansive weight and cardio training areas. Meanwhile, some students were already swimming laps in the 50-meter pool inside the impressive $50.5 million, 183,000-square-foot building. Spirits were high on this special occasion.
Guests were welcomed by the Utah Pep Band, who played a lively rendition of the Utah Fight Song as they kicked soccer balls into the goal. Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, dignitaries took part in a more festive activity. Nearly a decade ago, the former president of ASUU, Neela Pack, led the fundraising efforts for the center. Guests had the opportunity to meet and hear from those who have been involved with the project since its inception, including Legacy Gym’s June and Steve Nebeker.
The project’s private fundraising campaign, which additionally encompassed initial $1 million leadership contributions from Kem and Carolyn Gardner and the University Federal Credit Union, was spearheaded by a $3 million grant from the George S. And Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation.
Spencer F. Eccles, the chairman and CEO of the Eccles Foundation, asserts, “Right from the start, the center has been driven by students, which is the most captivating feature.” “The students’ unwavering dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment have played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this project.”
Lisa Eccles, the president of the Eccles Foundation and a U trustee, remarks, “During my time as a student here, there was nothing comparable to this!” “We are genuinely thrilled about this remarkable expansion to our cherished alma mater. Our foundation eagerly joined forces with the students over six years ago to initiate the design and planning of the center.”
The centers of student recreation across the country have observed improvements in efforts for recruitment, graduation rates, retention rates, and average student grade point averages. Research indicates that participation in university recreational programs positively correlates with overall college success and satisfaction.
U President David W. Pershing states, “The center will have a significant positive impact on the University, which cannot be emphasized enough.” “We are extremely excited and pleased for our students and the entire campus community, and we are also very grateful for the generosity of the George S. And Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation and our other funding partners.” The primary beneficiaries of the facilities will be the students, while faculty and staff will have limited access if they purchase a membership. The construction of the building was funded partially by a new $60-per-semester student fee, and the remaining costs were covered by private donations and fees for faculty/staff usage.
Every day, approximately 3,500 individuals are already being drawn to it. Available for use all year long, seven days a week, the center will be situated at the western edge of the George S. Eccles 2002 Legacy Bridge and next to the Fort Douglas TRAX stop. The Campus Recreation Services staff oversees the management of the Outdoor Adventures program, sports clubs, intramural sports, and a fitness program at the facility. The amenities of the center encompass a café, massage therapy, exercise classrooms, three pools, a multi-sport gym, three basketball courts, two racquetball courts, and an indoor running track.