St. Davids, PA, February 19, 2016: Eastern University announces the highly anticipated grand opening of their new, state-of-the-art fitness center on the St. Davids campus. The grand opening, occurred on February 17th at 11 a.m., and began with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony with President Robert G. Duffett and continued throughout the day with an open house until 4 p.m. The University invited students, faculty, staff, alumni, the board of trustees, community members and friends to attend this momentous occasion on campus which included visits with the Eastern Eagle, equipment demonstrations, healthy snacks and the chance to win a Fitbit Charge HR.
Bettie Ann Brigham, Vice Provost for Student Development said of the new center, “For over 20 years one of the top items students have said they want at EU is a ‘state-of-the-art’ place to work out. We are very excited that this has finally come to fruition. We in Student Development know that the whole person/student needs to be fit and fed in order to reach the highest potential. This new and definitely ‘state-of-the-art’ center will encourage our students toward physical fitness and wellness as they also pursue intellectual and spiritual growth and development during their time at EU."
Regarding the positive impact the new center will have on the student-athlete experience Nathan Stewart, Director of Athletics and Athletic Development elaborated, “Our student-athletes will have the best facility in the MAC conference to train and prepare for their upcoming seasons which will provide a competitive advantage on the fields and courts as we seek to pursue excellence!”
The new, two story 8,200 square foot fitness center is the first project to be completed in Phase I of Eastern’s campus master plan and replaces the former 1, 300 square foot center. Designed by the firm Derck & Edson and constructed by Wohlsen Construction, the first floor of the facility features Hammer Strength weight training equipment and includes 8 olympic platforms with drop zones, 4 dumbbell racks with customized dumbbells and plates and 16 weight machines for upper and lower body workouts. There is also 94’ of indoor turf and a stretching area. The Life Fitness cardio equipment is positioned on the second floor with picturesque views of campus from 9 treadmills, 6 ellipticals, 2 stairclimbers, 4 rowing machines, 6 spin bikes with foot clamps and 5 stationary bikes. The treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes all have personalized cable televisions. A welcome desk with storage cubicles, 3 flat screen televisions and a sound system complete the experience. The fitness center will also house athletic department offices and a conference room. Stephen Sproles, Partner with Derck & Edson said, “I am so excited to see Eastern successfully complete the first project of the campus master plan. Eastern has transformed their fitness facilities to arguably one of the best in their conference!”
Stewart added, “I want to thank the Board of Trustees, Dr. Duffett and the entire University leadership team for their hard work in making this fitness center a reality for all of our students and faculty and staff. The new fitness center will provide all students a top notch fitness facility with brand new strength training and cardio equipment. I am excited to open the doors and welcome the entire Eastern community into the brand new fitness center!”
For a recap of the day, click here.
Eastern University is a Philadelphia Christian university of the arts and sciences located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia at 1300 Eagle Road in St. Davids, PA. Eastern enrolls approximately 3,800 students in its undergraduate, graduate, professional, urban, Seminary and international programs. Its core values of faith, reason and justice are woven into all of its educational programs. For more information visit www.eastern.edu or contact Denise McMillan, Communications Director, 610-341-4365, dmcmill@eastern.edu.