Beavers Break Ground for Siebens Fieldhouse Addition
‘Building Champions’ effort celebrates first phase of a $10 million project
The Buena Vista University Board of Trustees joined administrators, faculty, staff, students, and guests on Friday, May 3, in breaking ground to signal the start of a 7,500 square-foot addition to Siebens Fieldhouse.
Dan Phillips ’77 labeled the effort a “crucial first step” in BVU’s Building Champions campaign. Phillips, a member of the BVU Board of Trustees and an offensive guard on the Beaver football team during his time as a student-athlete, serves as Steering Committee Chair for the first phase of a $10 million project dedicated to enhancing BVU Athletics and the health and wellness of the Beaver community.
“From practice spaces to locker rooms, indoor track renovations to a wellness facility for all students, our ‘Building Champions’ campaign will enhance the experiences our students and student-athletes enjoy as they enroll, participate, and grow to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Phillips said.
The project, designed by RDG Planning & Design and built by general contractor DCI (which is also constructing BVU’s new apartment-style residence hall), includes a new athletic performance facility that features dedicated space for strength training, conditioning, cross-training and rehabilitation, noted Dr. Brandon Johnson ’04, Vice President for Athletics, Enrollment, and Marketing. “With the building of this addition, BVU is building better opportunities for our students to develop and reach their greatest potential on and off the playing surface,” he said.
“This campaign serves as an important next step in our ten-year strategic vision, ‘Building Beyond Expectations,’ which is centered around helping every student unlock their greatest potential to build better lives and stronger communities,” said BVU President Brian Lenzmeier, who went on to note that this is the first of several projects that will enrich the overall campus experience and contribute to the well-being of the entire BVU community.
Director of Athletics Amy Maier remarked what an honor she has in overseeing the Beavers’ 21 NCAA Division III teams as they continue to grow. She then introduced current BVU women’s basketball player Danika Demers, a biomedical science and Spanish double-major, who said she can’t wait to be able to use the new site.
“I cannot wait to use this new facility my senior year and know first-hand its impact on my and my teammates’ development,” she said. “I also cannot wait to step foot in our new residence hall!”
Demers, the daughter of BVU graduates Patti (Kuhl) ’90 and Jim Demers ’91, said this key progress illustrates what she has come to love about being a Beaver.
“That’s what I love about BVU, our focus on bettering what is around us and supporting others to build better communities,” she said. “Coming to BVU, I knew I wanted to help make an impact and help foster a positive culture, and I am so excited to be part of this BVU Athletics campaign that will provide opportunities for generations to come.”