By Marsha Fielder

REMEMBER

"…we have in reality laid the cornerstone for a great many lives."

This declaration by A. W. Thompson, State Director of Interscholastic Athletics, at the cornerstone ceremony for the new gymnasium on Nov. 8, 1929, was a true statement of future impact. If walls could talk, we'd hear much more about the lives and activities that contributed to the history of Ridge Gymnasium, such as:

-the local taxpayers who supported the bond issue to complete the gymnasium turned civic auditorium;

-the elephant that entered the gym on its knees to get through the entrance for a circus performance;

-the fans' cheers as the Bulldogs competed with rivals on the court in basketball, volleyball and wrestling;

-the generosity of Everett '23 and Julia '22 Craig Ridge for whom the building was named;

-the special moments of young men and women as their eyes met from across the dance floor;

-the maintenance crews who hauled out big ladders to replace incandescent bulbs quickly broken during intramural sports or tennis practice;

-the motivating speech by Eleanor Roosevelt who spoke about the importance of the United Nations;

-the social interaction at The Bulldog Inn;

-the cheerleaders whose constant enthusiasm and spirit roused the fans;

-the applause as young men and women crossed the stage to receive their college degrees at Commencement;

-the coaches who encouraged discipline, practice and teamwork in young minds and offered a chair and an ear in their office;

-and the many other special memories made within the walls of Ridge Gymnasium.

RENOVATE

"…a versatile and first-class facility...that enhances the entire range of student life while preserving a valuable part of the College's history."

On April 10 of this year, the College held its campus community "ungroundbreaking" for the renovation of Ridge. A crowd of faculty, staff, students, trustees, and others involved with the project gathered for the Hard Hat Hoedown for reminiscing, hoedown fun and the ceremonial "pulling down" of the old bleacher railings. The renovation plans will preserve some of the building's history while offering these special features:

-Open 24 hours

-Art Studio/Gallery Court

-Board Room

-Campus Mail Center

-Campus Media Center

-Campus Safety Offices

-Career Services Offices

-Computer Lab

-Dining Area & Snack Bar

-Flex Programming Center

-Game/TV Room

-Glass Elevator

-Meeting Rooms

-Multi-Purpose Center Court

-Skybox Meeting Rooms

-Student Affairs Offices

-Student Organization Suite

REVITALIZE

"…the living room of the campus, the place for students to connect, discuss ideas, study, promote causes, or just relax together."

Geared primarily toward student services, the opportunities for social growth and interaction will abound in the new Ridge Student Center. Whether serving on Student Government, planning a community service project, or performing at open mike night on stage, students will be learning new skills while making their own memories. The greater college community, alumni and friends will also enjoy the new facility--perhaps for a class reunion, Homecoming event, concert, conference or just the pleasure of joining a group to relax in the "living room."

When the doors open for the 2004-2005 academic year, a sense of accomplishment and pride will permeate the campus. An active, attractive student center will invigorate campus life and contribute greatly to the educational mission--to help students "prepare for active, successful and responsible lives."


RAISING RESOURCES

How does the college go about raising funds for a project like Ridge Student Center? A week-long session on development and fund-raising methods may not sound too exciting and it certainly isn't practical. What will help you understand is something you already know--it usually takes a variety of means to reach a financial goal. You review what you have, what you want and what resources you need to get there.

Just as we did for the library, the College must raise funds apart from those used for regular operating expenses. This means trustees, alumni, friends and organizations are asked to go beyond Annual Fund support and pledge some of their resources for the capital goal. It takes people asking people--College staff, trustees and volunteers who make contact face-to-face, by telephone, by e-mail, through letters or proposals or other means. Because the student center will ultimately benefit all of us--keeping Adrian competitive by offering a progressive, well-maintained, student-friendly environment and high-quality academics--it makes it easy to ask for something we believe in.

We seek gifts of all sizes to be fulfilled in a variety of ways. For this project we are encouraging a four-year pledge option. Ridge naming opportunities provide recognition for certain areas of the facility for gifts of $25,000 or more. An attractive recognition wall will list donors of $1,000 or more. Some affinity groups, such as the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Hall of Fame athletes, cheerleaders, and student government alumni, want to be counted in the efforts to revitalize Ridge Gymnasium and are encouraging their peers to donate to this project.

Often there is at least one "challenge" designed to motivate donors to respond whereby reaching a certain goal means additional monies. For Ridge Student Center the challenge is from two brothers, Robyn Arrington Jr. '66 and Harold Arrington '68. They will contribute $500,000 if all other alumni pledge $1 million by the end of this calendar year. This means that every alumni gift, small or large, counts!

We genuinely enjoy stirring up memories about the good old days at Adrian, the exciting basketball games in Ridge, phys. ed. classes or a favorite coach. Perhaps you walked across the stage to receive your degree or met your spouse at a dance or concert there. We also want to appeal to your sense of "feeling good" about making a difference in the lives of today's students. We all want Adrian College students to have a positive, memorable undergraduate experience that prepares them for the future as our neighbors, employees, friends and fellow citizens.

Last but not least, we express our gratitude for your generosity and say thank you--again and again.

We count on you--Adrian's constituents--who have helped us reach many goals. As we move toward this $5 million goal, we are confident you will again help us raise the resources for Ridge Student Center.

To make a gift or pledge contact the Advancement Office at 517-264-3168 or e-mail wkenyon@adrian.edu. To see the Ridge renovation plans and progress, go to www.adrian.edu/news.html.

Above image: Beth Warren

ARRINGTON FAMILY CHALLENGE

If Adrian College alumni pledge $1 million by Dec. 31, 2003, the Arringtons will donate $500,000.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that we have decided to assist this effort…an excellent opportunity to transform this remarkable historic building into a versatile student center…Ridge holds many memories for all of us…and this worthwhile project represents the College’s current efforts to expand and enhance the environment for Adrian’s student population.”

-Robyn J. Arrington Jr. ’66 and Harold M. Arrington ’68