The Ave Herald

Philanthropist Tom Golisano joined a line of Ave Maria University dignitaries Tuesday morning for the official groundbreaking for the gym and field house he made possible with a donation of $4 million to the university.

It's the first building on the campus paid for entirely by a benefactor, university Chancellor Tom Monaghan said before the ceremony, and "one that makes my heart jump for joy."

Mr. Monaghan said it is difficult to overestimate the importance of the building, which will have a gym with seating for 1,000 people as well as locker rooms and training facilities. "It probably means $1 million a year in the bottom line through improved student recruiting and retention," he said.

"If it was so important," Mr. Golisano said when he spoke, "you should have asked me sooner."

The building, located north of the student union, will be completed by the fall, "no later than October," Mr. Monaghan said. At left, Mr. Monaghan and Mr. Golisano before the groundbreaking.

 Click here for an earlier Ave Herald story that includes an artist's drawing of the finished building.

Click here for story on the groundbreaking from AMU's Angelus News.