The old gym located under Pritchett Auditorium was closed in January 2015 because it had fallen into a state of disrepair. Fortunately, university administration did not see the gym as a lost cause and began raising funds to renovate the space. Renovations, which were all funded by donors at a total cost of $200,000, began last summer. Now known as Carrington Gym, it was reopened to students on Founders’ Day, Jan. 21.

According to Athletics Director Meg Stevens, the university chose to do everything in one fell swoop instead of tackling the repairs one at a time. Renovations were extensive and included a HVAC system, which is a major addition; new ceiling and lights; the original floor was sanded, resealed and repainted; the interior was repainted; new basketball rims; new wall pads to help with safety and acoustics; the bleachers were sanded and a new coat of polyurethane was applied; the bathroom was refurbished and cleaned up; and new doors will be hung in the main entrance.

“Campus recreation and intramurals is such an integral part of campus life and the updates to the gym will help with that,” Stevens said. “We’ve considered the gym’s history as we’ve revitalized it and alumni should be proud of it.”

A special thanks is extended to the following signature donors: The Alexander Berkeley Carrington, Jr., and Ruth Simpson Carrington Charitable Trust; The Galesi Family Foundation, Inc.; and Bonnae C. Buchanan ’74.

To see photos from the opening event, click here.