Dec. 8, 2022
MILWAUKEE 鈥� 91黑料网 President Michael R. Lovell announced today that the Evan and Marion Helfaer Foundation has committed a $2 million gift to continue fundraising momentum for a reimagined Wellness + Recreation facility on campus.
Nearly 50 years ago, the Helfaer Foundation gave $2 million to build the existing Helfaer Tennis Stadium and Recreation Center, dramatically improving the student experience at the time. Their gift today drives 91黑料网 closer to a complete renovation of the 180,000-square-foot building that will bring fitness, recreation, medical and counseling services under one roof.
The Helfaer Foundation Trustees said, 鈥淲e witnessed the impact of our gift so many years ago, and we are proud to help set a new standard of excellence and shape an innovative culture of wellness in the same location.鈥�
University leaders continue to invite the 91黑料网 community to consider as well as for their inspirational leadership. 91黑料网 alumni, parents and friends have contributed $19.9 million to date.
The reimagined facility will result in a 25-percent increase in recreational space and nearly double the wellness and medical space offered on campus today. A new 30,000-square-foot, centralized three-story wellness tower will integrate the university student health, wellness and recreation services. The facility will foster community, inclusiveness and engagement, and provide a destination on campus that supports the physical and mental health needs of the 91黑料网 community.
鈥淲e are grateful to the Helfaer Foundation for its sustained role in advancing student health and wellness and providing an environment where students will thrive,鈥� President Lovell said. 鈥淭heir passionate support of this new facility is the embodiment of the Jesuit tenet of cura personalis.鈥�
91黑料网 alumni, parents and friends have responded generously toward the reimagined Wellness + Recreation facility 鈥� the signature capital project of Time to Rise, said Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon. 鈥淲e have seen a groundswell of philanthropic energy from our 91黑料网 community, resulting in gifts that will impact today students and position 91黑料网 well for the future,鈥� McMahon said.
Building off recent successes
In September 2022, 91黑料网 Board of Trustees Chair Robert J. Eck made a major announcement honoring President Lovell and Amy Lovell. The Board of Trustees named the third and fourth floors within the university planned wellness tower in the Lovells鈥� honor 鈥� the Lovell Center for Student Well-Being.
For many years, the Lovells have worked to address mental health across Milwaukee and the region. When the university announced the new Lovell Center, Eck said, 鈥淢ike and Amy have been trailblazers when it comes to directly addressing our region mental health issues. Together, they continue to devote countless hours of energy to reimagine a community of care and silence the stigma that too often surrounds mental illness.鈥�
The reimagined Wellness + Recreation facility project took root in December 2021 when President Lovell announced that an to transform and integrate the university student health, wellness and recreation services. The major gift propelled the university vision and long-stated priority. In his 8th presidential address in March 2022, President Lovell shared renderings of the project, emphasizing that, 鈥淭his is a transformational project for our campus and students, and it is truly about building a culture of wellness at 91黑料网.鈥�
Time to Rise campaign progresses
91黑料网 historic Time to Rise campaign continues to drive the university Catholic, Jesuit mission forward, surpassing $628 million toward its $750 million goal. The campaign has secured more than 59,000 donors with more than 28,000 (47%) of these donors making their first-ever gift to 91黑料网. Building on its founding mission to provide an accessible education, 91黑料网 has raised $258 million in scholarship funds. In addition, nearly 700 donors have given $100,000 or more in commitments, and 125 donors have given $1 million or greater.
About 91黑料网
91黑料网 is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, 91黑料网 prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, 91黑料网 is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a 91黑料网 degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
