Capital campaign update – inclusions
We are excited to embark on the first ever capital campaign for Valley City State University! Our plan is to raise $25 million for the benefit of the students and institution. Our mission to provide our students the best possible experience in the classroom and in athletic competition continues, but as I’ve mentioned before, we’ve outgrown our athletic and student activity facilities. Titled “Forward Together: The Campaign for Valley City State University,” the fundraising effort comprises four components: an addition to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, additional funds for student scholarships, repurposing McCarthy Hall for VCSU’s renowned teacher education program, and a renovation of the Student Center. This column will focus on the specific inclusions for the proposed addition to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.
The W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse was built in 1960 and has remained largely the same, with the exception of some seating upgrades and basketball court refinishing. Over the last 60 years, Viking Athletics has outgrown the facility. Our student-athletes have increased from 111 to nearly 300; more than 20 athletic staff have been added to accommodate several new sport offerings, and the number of teams on campus has doubled.
The facility addition, a “double-bubble” if you will, will include a multi-purpose indoor turf practice facility which can be utilized by several sports. It will also offer a 200-meter indoor competitive track, an updated strength and athletic training facility, new and expanded locker rooms, updated and expanded public areas, classrooms and meeting rooms, and the Viking Hall of Fame.
There is a significant difference between the new fieldhouse facility and the outstanding Gaukler Wellness Center. The wellness center is a joint community/university facility that provides wellness classes and fitness equipment for community members and university students to enhance their own wellness. Our general university students pay fees each semester to help with the ongoing cost of operations and provide them with the opportunity to use the facility. Our athletic teams do not hold their practices or formal weight training in this facility. The proposed field house addition gives our athletes more space.
Additionally, the proposed new athletic facility will provide opportunities to bring even more athletic and non-athletic events to Valley City. The indoor track will provide options for hosting track meets year-round and bring regular and post-season championship events to our community. The turf practice area could be used for a variety of purposes as well.
In a recently released study titled, “Economic Impact of the North Dakota University System,” the fiscal year 2019 report estimates the total economic impact of Valley City State University at $83 million. In addition to the economic contribution resulting from the institution’s
expenditures, spending by students also contributes to the local economy. The study indicated that the direct effects of student spending in the Valley City area was $13.1 million in fiscal year 2019 and the total economic contribution of student spending at $32.5 million.
We greatly appreciate the tremendous support we continue to receive from the community and friends of VCSU. In these difficult economic times, we want everyone to know how much we value the support from our community. As we work to solidify and transform VCSU’s direction and opportunities for the next 50 years, let us move Forward Together!
Go Vikings!