Groundbreaking Signals Progress for Lewis University

The ceremonial groundbreaking of ’s new multi-purpose Athletic and Recreation Complex celebrated the start of phase one of the project, which got under way last week.

Vice President for University Advancement Dan Allen said the groundbreaking “demonstrates the university’s progress toward (their) goal of being one of the finest Midwest Catholic universities.”

The $3.3 million project will include a nine-lane track, new artificial field turf, stands, a press box, a scoreboard and 400 parking spaces, resulting in a net gain of 160 parking spaces for the campus.

“All the opportunities that will be presented as a result of this complex will continue our positive momentum in providing quality programs and facilities for our students,” said Director of Student Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Jill Siegfried.

Dan Schumacher, director of athletics, said the new facility is state of the art — and the track is one of the first of its kind.

"The surface that we’re putting in, no other school in America has right now," he said, adding that it was chosen for its quality and durability compared to other products.

He added that, provided there is enough seating, having a nine-lane track will give the university the opportunity to put in a bid on the state track meet, which is currently held at Eastern University. Eastern is the only other Illinois school with a nine-lane track. Schumacher said the state meet has the potential to bring in around 10,000 visitors to campus.

“We haven’t had a working collegiate competition track because it was in such disarray it was basically condemned," he said. "We haven’t held a track meet in seven to eight years, so that’s the biggest highlight, the direct benefit right away for one of our athletic programs."

Lewis University President James Gaffney and Vice President of Business and Facilities Robert DeRose said negative impact on students will be minimal during construction.

“We are going to continue for the next two years to (have) parking on the south end of the (current) field,” said DeRose. He added the field itself will remain in use, so students will not lose out on recreation.

Phase 1 of the athletic complex is scheduled to be completed Aug. 1.

Gaffney said the complex as a whole “easily could be another couple of years. We’ll just watch the situation as it develops.”

DeRose said  he's looking forward to seeing the finished project.

“To see it finally happen is a thrill, and then to see the students use it and see the smile on their faces saying wow, we’ve met their expectation” is what he looks forward to most, he said.

“We have terrific young adults in all of the (athletic) programs so I am very happy for them," Gaffney added.

Fitness center to get an update

Another athletic project that will be under way after this May’s graduation is improvement on the JFK Student Fitness and Recreation Center.

The facility, which was built in the 1960s, still has the original heating system and little, if any, air-conditioning, said DeRose.

The existing heating system will be replaced to make it a “fully functional air-conditioned and heated facility," he said.

Gaffney added, “It’ll be glorious for the beginning of women’s volleyball when it’s usually in the 80s or 90s.”

Additions for the JFK project will also include high-tech lighting fixtures to allow for high-definition television broadcasts, a new roof, new paint, a Division I-quality floor for volleyball and basketball, and possibly moving beams that will prohibit view from the second story during game time.

Completion of the improvements to the JFK Center is set for mid-August. 

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