For Immediate Release
Contact:
Leslie Weddell
(719) 389-6038
Leslie.Weddell@ColoradoCollege.edu
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – March 6, 2012 – The new fitness center under construction at Colorado College’s El Pomar Sports Complex will be named the Adam F. Press Fitness Center in recognition of significant philanthropic leadership by Press, a CC trustee and 1984 graduate.
Press has committed $3.5 million in unrestricted support to further the college’s strategic agenda, including the fitness center project, which is part of a $27 million facelift to the building that has housed the school's varsity, club and intramural programs along with coaches and administration since 1970.
Construction on the “gateway” addition on El Pomar’s south side began on Oct. 31, 2011, with completion of the entire project scheduled for spring 2013.
“The addition of the fitness center to El Pomar Sports Complex will allow us to provide excellent health and wellness opportunities for Colorado College students and employees for years to come,” said CC President Jill Tiefenthaler. “Alumnus Adam Press has shown visionary leadership with this commitment. I am grateful for his generous support and thrilled that it will have such great impact for Colorado College.”
While fundraising efforts continue for the overall project, the recent timely gift brings the college to within $2.8 million of its goal. In 2007, El Pomar Foundation donated $10 million toward on-campus building improvements and scholarships after CC’s “Vision 2010” initiative identified the fitness center and library renovations as priorities four years earlier. All but $1.5 million of that amount was allocated to the athletics center facelift.
"The trustees of El Pomar are pleased to see the strong support for this project, which will enhance the entire Colorado College community," said William J. Hybl, the foundation’s chairman and CEO.
Press, a Walnut Creek, Calif., native who now lives in Los Angeles, is an active investor, art collector and philanthropist. He served as chairman and CEO of The St. John Companies, Inc. (1992-2010), as well as director of equity investments for the Thyssen-Bornemisza Group in Monte Carlo (1989-91), and worked in the New York corporate finance department of PaineWebber (1986-89). He holds an MBA from Columbia University in addition to his bachelor’s degree in political economy from Colorado College. He also serves on the boards of Jewish Vocational Services in Los Angeles as well as New York-based Freedom to Marry.
“It’s an honor to assist in making the new El Pomar Sports Complex a reality,” Press said. “I am thrilled to play a role in such a worthwhile initiative at my alma mater. I hope that this facility proves to be an enormous asset for Colorado College athletes and for the entire student body.”
The 29,000-square-foot fitness center will offer secure space for recreational activities while providing an enhanced sense of community within Colorado College and ensuring that all students have access to the facilities.
The fitness center component represents the final of three construction phases scheduled for the project. Planned features include a cardio conditioning room and separate strength area; separate varsity training areas; a full-size basketball/volleyball court; a yoga studio; squash courts; an auxiliary gym; expanded physical therapy space; indoor and outdoor lounge spaces and separate locker rooms for students, faculty and staff.
“The Adam F. Press Fitness Center will have a transformative effect on the lives of those in the Colorado College community,” said Ken Ralph, director of athletics. “This facility will assist us in educating our population on the great benefits associated with incorporating fitness and play into their daily routines.
“Adam’s philanthropy will have a direct positive impact on the health and wellness of generations of CC students, faculty and staff.”
More than two dozen recognition opportunities remain available for other specific areas in the completed facility, which will include 40,000 square feet of new space altogether. See www.coloradocollege.edu/fitnessrecognition.
About Colorado College
Colorado College is a nationally prominent, four-year liberal arts college that was founded in Colorado Springs in 1874. The college operates on the innovative Block Plan, in which its 1,975 students study one course at a time in intensive 3½-week blocks. Colorado College also offers a master of arts in teaching program. For more information, visit www.coloradocollege.edu.