Vassar opens 53,000-square-foot athletic facility, October 13

In 1894, Vassar College trustees funded the college golf course for a whopping $12.50; in 1895, the country's first women's field day was held on the college's Poughkeepsie campus; and in 1969, the first men were admitted. Since 1981, when the school joined the NCAA and began competing in Division III, sports at Vassar have followed a trajectory that has produced All-Americans, national qualifiers, state, regional, and conference champions, as well as many scholar-athlete award winners.

Friday, October 13, will mark the official dedication of Vassar's new 53,000-square-foot athletic facility, the crowning jewel of an overall athletic facilities renovation and expansion project that included field hockey and women's lacrosse fields and renovations to Walker Field House. The building was designed by Cannon Associates. Kirchhoff Construction Management, Inc. of Pleasant Valley was the project's general contractor.

The new building, connected to the north side of Walker by a 100-foot-long glass corridor, houses a wood court gymnasium with an elevated running track and seating for 1,200 spectators, a 5,000-square-foot fitness center (with spectacular views of that golf course), a multipurpose aerobics room, and support facilities. Walker has a new field house floor, new locker rooms, and an expanded athletic training room. A juice bar in the new facility's atrium offers lunch, dinner, and snacks.

The new facility complements the athletic program, an integral component of the total educational experience at Vassar. Through a wide range of intercollegiate varsity, club, intramural, and recreational programs, Vassar provides an opportunity to participate for everyone.

The 24-team intercollegiate programs compete in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

"The goal of the intercollegiate athletic program is to offer each varsity team member the opportunity and the challenge to achieve his or her maximum potential as an athlete within Vassar's atmosphere of academic excellence," said Andy Jennings, professor of physical education and director of athletics. "Vassar's athletics program enhances the rich and demanding experience of our classrooms by offering men and women opportunities to excel in intercollegiate competition and by encouraging all members of the community to participate in club and intramural sports."

For additional information, call the office of college relations at (845) 437-7400.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

NOTE TO EDITORS: There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks by Vassar President Frances D. Fergusson at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 13. Photos of the facility are available upon request.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Friday, October 13th, 2000.