Friends University to host live wall smash on April 30 to kick-off the Garvey P.E. Center renovation project

Leaders from Friends University along with several distinguished guests will host a live wall smash event on Friday, April 30 at 1 p.m. to kick off the renovation project at the Garvey Physical Education Center. This event will be broadcast live on Friends University’s Facebook and Instagram pages.  

The wall smash kick-off event marks the initial phase of Friends’ RISE Up Capital Campaign which includes renovations for the Garvey Physical Education Center. The campaign encompasses several phases and is designed to make major facility updates and improvements across the campus. The second phase includes plans to update and renovate the Riney Fine Arts Center.  

“We are excited to begin this first phase of the RISE Up Capital Campaign renovation project,” said Brie Boulanger, associate vice president of advancement. “This allows the building to be brought into the 21st Century and positions our students and athletes to thrive in the future.”   

The Garvey Physical Education Center was originally in partnership with the Westside YMCA serving both the university’s athletic facilities needs and the YMCA in the 1980s. Since the University acquired the building, minor improvements have been made to the space. The RISE Up Capital Campaign project focuses on four main areas: a larger training room, an expanded weight room, administrative spaces/team meeting room, and a refreshed main lobby.  

McCownGordon Construction has been selected as the contractor to complete the renovation vision provided by Shelden Architecture. 

For more information about the Friends University RISE Up Capital Campaign, visit friends.edu/riseup

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.