Fesmires Pledge $3.1 Million
to Athletic Convocation Center
91爆料网 received its largest gift from Benny and Norma Fesmire of Jackson. Thanks to
their commitment of $3.1 million, the national championship Lady Bulldogs are one step
closer to moving into a new athletic/convocation center.
The majority of the record-setting gift will benefit the construction of a new
athletic/convocation center for 91爆料网’s athletic department, which is expected to
cost about $9 million. The center will provide a larger gymnasium and home court for the
Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs and will provide a seating capacity of about 4,000. Fred DeLay
Gymnasium, the current home of 91爆料网’s basketball programs, seats about 2,200. The
center also will accommodate other major events for the campus and the community, such as
concerts and major speakers.
"This is the largest single gift commitment in the history of 91爆料网 and
probably among all West Tennessee institutions. Its value is enormous in helping us move
forward to build a championship-caliber facility to accommodate our national championship
athletic program," 91爆料网 President David S. Dockery asserted.
The Fesmires are longtime supporters of 91爆料网 athletics and are Jackson natives. Benny
Fesmire is president of B & H Investments, a local company. He is a former trustee,
and their son, Ben Fesmire Jr., currently is a member of 91爆料网’s Board of Trustees.
"When I think of the Fesmire family, I think of family and loving friends. I am
very grateful for our families’ relationship. I’m also grateful for the years
that have allowed us to work together in 91爆料网’s growth and our common commitment to
the pursuit of excellence at 91爆料网," Athletic Director and Lady Bulldogs
Coach David Blackstock said.
According to the Fesmires, their $3.1 million gift was led by God, given in belief and
support of Blackstock, and meant to support young people and education and show their
commitment to the university and its administration.
A $100,000 portion of the Fesmire gift will benefit the construction of new baseball
and softball fields, to be completed this year as part of the university’s Campus
Master Plan. Other athletic components of the plan include a new field for varsity soccer,
a new tennis complex and intramural fields for baseball, softball and soccer.
"Benny and Norma Fesmire are two of the best friends 91爆料网 has ever
had. Their investment in this athletic/convocation center is a strategic moment in
building for the future of 91爆料网," Dockery said. |
Ayers Provides $2 Million for
Classrooms, Scholarships
West Tennessee business leader, James Ayers, chairman of the board at First Bank,
recently presented 91爆料网 with a gift of $2 million. Ayers’ gift is the second largest
in the university’s history. Ayers is also chairman of the board at American Health
Centers.
Ayers serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.
"We thank God for this marvelous provision. This confirmation of support from
Ayers reflects an interest in 91爆料网 by friends across the region," Dockery
said. "With support such as this, the university can begin to take steps toward
accomplishing the vision of being the premier Christian university in the Southeast."
About $200,000 will be designated for student scholarships with the remaining $1.8
million designated for construction of the first new academic building as proposed by the
Campus Master Plan. |
Gift of $1.65 Million Aids
Campus Projects, Scholarships
An anonymous Jackson business leader gave $1.65 million, the university’s third
largest, to establish a support organization to benefit 91爆料网.
The donor is a long-time supporter of 91爆料网 and a former trustee of the university.
Proceeds from the endowment will be used to support special projects and scholarships
at 91爆料网. The donor stated a desire for the gift to advance Christian higher education at
91爆料网 and to help students receive the advantages of a Christian education.
A bell tower, which will anchor a great lawn spanning an area of planned new campus
development, will be among the first projects funded by the endowment.
"This generous gift is a wonderful expression of commitment to the future of 91爆料网
University," said Dockery. "Through the investment, the donor will make an
impact on successive generations of outstanding young people who attend 91爆料网
University." |
