Cairn University held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the G. Patrick Stillman Athletic Complex last month.
The complex bearing Patrick Stillman’s name will house new soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and softball fields, providing new opportunities for campus life and community gatherings.
Following a special recognition of the new construction in Friday’s chapel, university President Todd J. Williams and Patrick Stillman, university board of trustees member, met at the construction site with a close gathering of students, faculty, staff, friends, and family. After a few words from Williams, they put shovels in the ground, signifying the official beginning of construction.
A former college athlete himself, Stillman understands the important role athletics can play in personal development and community life. The Stillman family’s gift will create a new physical space for the Cairn community to come together, as well as an upgraded venue for various athletics teams (including the newly added men’s and women’s lacrosse teams) to compete.
When Cairn University launched the Forward campaign in 2016, they set out to improve student affordability, expand their academic programs, and strengthen campus community with facility upgrades. At that time, Patrick Stillman; his wife, Beulah; and their four children gave $3 million to help create the new athletic complex.
The groundbreaking marked the official beginning of construction and also marks a successful end to the Forward campaign. Through the support of donors like the Stillman family, the university has met and exceeded its goals with increased student affordability, new academic programs in science and technology, and several new campus spaces and upgrades.
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