Eastern University students, staff and faculty turned out for this morning's much anticipated grand opening ceremony.

Nate Stewart, Eastern's Athletic Director  welcomed everyone into the new facility. He thanked the members of the Eastern Community for their patience.  He also welcomed several alumni who had come in for the opening. He noted that while construction projects are never easy that the final product, he believed, will be well worth it. 

Stewart thanked Jeff Gromis, Eastern's Director of Facilities and Campus Services for his partnership in the process and Jason Fielder for providing oversight for the entire project. He also recognized the work of Assistant Athletic Director Kevin Wallace for his work in the planning process. Wallace, along with Lon Record and Liz Harrick from Hammer Strength and Life Fitness went through multiple iterations of the design before finalizing the final design. The Hammer Strength and Life Fitness brands are the top brands on the market.

Stewart also recognized the members of the Wohlsen Construction team for their work in transforming the space and the presence of MAC Commissioner Ken Andrews..

Bettie Ann Brigham, Vice Provost for Student Development and Retention, then spoke briefly about the vision for the new facility and the history of the project. Brigham expressed pleasure that the new facility would fill the needs for all students. She also stressed physical development as an important component of the development of the whole person.

Joe Modica, the University Chaplain, then offered a prayer of blessing and dedication and turned the ceremony over to President Duffet.

Dr. Duffett spoke of his vision for the facility as a place where students, faculty, and staff would be able to work out and where relationships could grow. He also noted that he believed that this first project would be the first of many projects as Eastern continues to build and grow facilities. Duffett thanked the Board of Trustees for their vision in seeing the importance of this project for health of the University.

The President and fellow dignitaries then gathered behind a ceremonial ribbon to open the facility. To the delight of many, Duffett removed his suit coat, threw a couple plates on a bar, and knocked out a clean set of close-grip bench presses. The facility will open fully tomorrow and will have regular hours posted.

It will be open to students, faculty, and staff after they fill out paperwork. The four required forms can be accessed by clicking the links below. The Physician Approval form is only needed if there is a physical condition that would require physician approval.

Fitness Center Policies       Fitness Center Waiver        Fitness Center PAR-Q      Fitness Center Physician Approval

Those who filled out paperwork on the first day were entered to win a new Fitbit Charge-HR fitness devise and other prizes.