Dedicated to Growth: New Facilities Recognized on Campus during Fall Semester

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT
Jo Kadlecek
Office of College Communications
978.867.4752
[email protected]

WENHAM, MA- The fall 2008 semester has been an important one for Gordon College and its campus. In just four months, Gordon has built, improved and/or dedicated three separate places on campus--David Horst Way, Chester's Place and the Ken Olsen Science Center--because of the generosity of donors.

David Horst Way, dedicated on December 1, was an intimate gathering of Gordon folk to honor the late David Horst, a former trustee and friend of Gordon College. David Horst Way is significant because it leads to Gordon's new athletic complex, which includes a turf field, track, tennis courts and Gordon's Center for Balance, Mobility and Wellness.

"We all know how much Dave loved athletics, and he understood its value and role in a Christian liberal arts education," said President Jud Carlberg at the dedication ceremony. "Brigham Athletic Complex was a priority project of campus development--the board committee on which David served--at the time of his passing. His experiences as a builder and developer were invaluable, and the College is extremely grateful for the expertise and counsel he provided over many years."

During Homecoming Weekend in October, Gordon's newest student gathering space, Chester's Place, opened its doors. Built to look like an 18th-century English tavern, Chester's Place was funded by Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler, grandparents of two current Gordon students and major benefactors of the College. The new space serves as a coffee shop and study space for students, is completely student-run and resides in the former Presidents Dining Room.

"Chester's Place is a wonderful gift the Fowlers have given the Gordon community," said Bob Grinnell, vice president for development. "The Fowlers heard about the need for a student space and stepped in to work with the Gordon College Student Association to come up with a colonial space that represents our New England heritage. They're excellent with helping us to see Gordon in its broader cultural context." The Fowlers have also continued to generously fund other projects on Gordon's campus, including renovations in Frost Hall and Lane Student Center.

The Ken Olsen Science Science was dedicated September 27. Over 600 people gathered to pay tribute to Ken Olsen, a 20th-century pioneer in computer science, inventor of core memory, and cofounder of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). Olsen's relationship with Gordon has spanned over half a century, and for part of that time he served as a Gordon College trustee.

"The Science Center will continue its quest for the knowledge and truth of science with an openness to explore new ideas in the context of Christian faith," said Dan Tymann, vice president for advancement, communication and technology. "It will be a place where our expert faculty, fine students, challenging curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities and education-enhancing technology will enable the College to achieve its mission. It is a privilege and honor that Gordon's new Science Center bears the name of Ken Olsen, the inventor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, leader, CEO, technologist, scientist, visionary, pioneer and Christian."

"Gordon College has been blessed over the years with generous supporters and friends who not only contribute to the structure of the campus but to the enrichment of academia, athletics and service," said Tymann. "It's wonderful that people continue to invest in the vision of Gordon College."

For information or to request an interview contact Jo Kadlecek in the Office of College Communications at 978.867.4752 or [email protected]. 

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Gordon College is a Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences on Boston's North Shore. The College offers majors in 37 fields and has graduate programs in education and music education. Leading the way in Christian college merit, Gordon is nationally ranked for its excellence in academics and its role in character building. These achievements recognize Gordon as one of the nation's top Christian colleges.

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