WU Athletics
Gene Cassell, Sports Information Director
TOPEKA – The Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation is excited to announce a $1 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation to the new Indoor Athletics Facility at Washburn University.
“The Sunderland Foundation is committed to funding bricks and mortar projects to reflect our unique heritage in the cement industry and to improve the quality of life through reinvesting in communities,” said Kent Sunderland, president, Sunderland Foundation, which is based in Overland Park, Kansas. “We are once again proud to partner with Washburn University on the Indoor Athletics Facility and help bring a world-class building for Washburn’s student-athletes.”
Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation, said the Sunderland Foundation has been a longtime partner with the University in providing funding for spaces such as the School of Nursing, Whiting Hall, Stoffer Science Building, the Welcome Center, the Washburn University School of Law and the Golf Indoor Driving Range Facility. The $1 million gift is its largest to date.
“The Sunderland Foundation’s continued generosity toward Washburn has been vital to the success of the campus,” Meek said. “We know this gift will create a vibrant future for student-athletes and Washburn Athletics for years to come. We thank them for their continued support and friendship of Washburn University.”
At the Dec. 13, 2017, Washburn Board of Regents meeting, the board unanimously approved a proposal for the University to build an Indoor Athletics Facility on campus. The project will feature a 100-yard indoor field for football, space for baseball and softball to practice concurrently, ample space for the soccer team, an indoor track and meeting rooms.
The Indoor Athletics Facility is now less than $1 million shy of its fundraising goal.
“We are thankful for the Sunderland Foundation’s support for this important building project on Washburn’s campus,” said Jerry Farley, president, Washburn University. “A facility of this magnitude will give our student-athletes – all 400 of them – the edge they need to compete athletically. Their success on the playing field and in the classroom will enhance Washburn Athletics, Washburn University and the entire Topeka community.”
For information about giving opportunities, please contact Bruce Steinbrock in the Washburn Athletic Department at 785-670-1334 or by email.