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University of Portland receives $100,000 for the Beauchamp Recreation & Wellness Center

Recreational Services

Development

June 25, 2015

University of Portland has announced a $100,000 gift from Dick Ebersol to help fund the Beauchamp Recreation & Wellness Center, currently under construction and named in recognition of President Emeritus Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C. The Beauchamp Center, with an estimated cost of $23.7 million, is near completion and will be open to students and the campus community this fall.


The Center is being constructed entirely from donor-supported funding and has a wide variety of support from a number of constituents, including the University’s Board of Regents, who have committed several million dollars to the project.

In 2009, Dick Ebersol was the keynote speaker for a 75thanniversary celebration of the University’s Pamplin School of Business Administration. Ebersol is a television executive and senior adviser for NBC University Sports & Olympics. He had previously been the chairman of NBC Sports, producing large scale television events such as the Olympic Games and National Football League broadcasts.

“Dick is a treasured friend and colleague to both Fr. Bill and me,” said University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C. “We are so grateful for this gift, which is a generous reflection of many years of personal relationships with the Ebersol family. ”

The two-story 72,270 square-foot facility is expected to become a dynamic focal point on campus and enhance the physical and mental health of students, faculty and staff. Design elements of the new center include: expanded fitness areas with cardio machines, weights, and strength stations; a gymnasium with three courts; climbing wall; indoor track; a large outdoor pursuits center; and multiple studios for functional training, spin classes, yoga, health assessment testing, and counseling. The facade of the building incorporates brick and large glass windows, and openness is a theme throughout the building.

The Beauchamp Center was designed by HOK and Soderstrom Architects and is being built by SKANSKA. Dan Danielson is the Partner-in-Charge and a founding principal of Soderstrom Architects.