Tiffin University is to celebrate the conclusion of a nine-year project when it dedicates its new recreation center a week from today.
Heminger Center is to be dedicated at 3:45 p.m. May 4, with an open house is to follow.
According to a release from TU, the facility has been named for Gary and Jane Heminger in recognition of a gift for construction of the state-of-the-art facility and other positive contributions to TU. Gary Heminger, a 1976 TU graduate, has served on the board of trustees since 1991 and has been its chairman since 1996, it states. He is the president and CEO of Marathon Petroleum Corp.
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PHOTO BY JILL GOSCHE
Tiffin University is to dedicate Heminger Center during a ceremony at 3:45 p.m. May 4.
Michael Grandillo, TU's vice president for development and public affairs, declined to disclose the amount of the gift and said it was made during the course of the university's "Share the Pride, Build on Tradition" campaign.
Grandillo said construction of Heminger Center is done, and crews are finishing some minor tasks. The building is to be ready for commencement next weekend and should be in full use in the summer, he said.
Grandillo said the idea of converting the Rosenblatt scrapyard into a property for university use was conceived in 2004. Most would say the remediation was difficult, he said.
"We felt that it was doable, and everybody came together to make it happen," he said.
Grandillo, who was named the 15th president of Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wis., said the project is one of the most fulfilling he has worked on in his 30 years in higher education.
The building, which includes an indoor track, multi-purpose courts, offices, classrooms and an artificial turf area, is to be available for use by schools and groups for conferences, trade shows and other activities, according to the release from TU.
