Goal for Sebo Athletic Center reached

BOWLING GREEN, O.—Bowling Green State University's major fund-raising effort, “Building Dreams: The Centennial Campaign for BGSU” has reached $110 million and significant milestones with two of its priority projects.  

BGSU Director of Athletics Greg Christopher recently announced the department has achieved its fund-raising goal of $7.7 million for the Sebo Athletic Center, one of the major capital projects for the Building Dreams Campaign. The Sebo Athletic Center is the first building constructed exclusively for intercollegiate athletics since Doyt L. Perry Stadium was opened in 1966.

“Successful completion of fund raising for the Sebo Athletic Center is evidence of what the Bowling Green family can accomplish,” said Christopher. “It's also a credit to the vision and support of many people—first and foremost, to Bob Sebo for his leadership and tremendous generosity, and here on campus, President Ribeau and (former Athletic Director) Paul Krebs pushed the facility forward.”

J. Robert “Bob” Sebo of Salem, Ohio, pledged $4.45 million over five years as his commitment to the Building Dreams Campaign. In addition to his $3.5 million gift to the Sebo Athletic Center, he also supported several additional University initiatives, including expansion of the Sebo Entrepreneurship Lecture Series, a jazz studies scholarship, a spring musical concert in the College of Musical Arts and a WBGU-PBS documentary about successful regional entrepreneurs.

The Sebo Athletic Center will be completed this spring, and the official dedication will take place at the first home football game next season.

“I think this is a tremendous first step in providing the necessary resources to our athletic program in helping our student athletes learn about leadership, action and strategy,” said Sebo. “Excellent athletic teams unite the student body so they can enjoy, love and support the University. This creates enthusiasm and engages both our students and alumni who support the University.”

The privately funded center, located in the north end zone of Perry Stadium, will become the stadium's new front entrance. At approximately 33,500 square feet, the new two-story building will feature an expanded and state-of-the-art sports medicine and rehabilitation facility and a strength and conditioning area for all University student athletes.

Football coaches' offices, a video equipment and viewing room, team meeting rooms and conference rooms will enhance currently available facilities. A heritage room and an outdoor pavilion overlooking the playing field also are part of the project.

“To sustain excellence throughout the Department of Athletics, it is essential that we address several pressing facility needs,” said BGSU President Sidney A. Ribeau. “We have outgrown our sports medicine/rehabilitation and strength/training facilities. Our teaching, meeting and coaching space must be expanded and technologically upgraded.   The addition of the Sebo Athletic Center will meet both of these needs and all programs will benefit.”

In addition to reaching the $110 million mark in its $120 million overall campaign goal, the University also recently surpassed by $300,000 its $40 million goal for the campaign initiative targeted at sustaining the University. These funds help ensure the future growth and success of BGSU, funding distinctive classroom, research and extracurricular programs; enhancing student life; and providing students opportunities.   The Building Dream Campaign runs through December 2008.

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Editor's note: For information about the Building Dreams Campaign, contact Marcia Sloan Latta, Director of Development, 419-372-7691. For information about the Sebo Athletic Center, contact Greg Christopher, Director of Athletics, 419-372-2401.

(Posted March 15, 2007)