College Receives $2.75 Million For Proposed Ice Arena
Funds are an important first step to carrying out plan posted 5/30/06

Adrian College’s plan to bring this area its own indoor ice arena took a crucial step forward last week when an alumnus donated $2.75 million for the project.

Robyn Arrington

Dr. Robyn Arrington Jr., a 1966 graduate and trustee of Adrian College, made the generous donation to show his support for the project.

“There is tremendous momentum at my alma mater,” Arrington said. “I believe in the new administration’s strategic plan to build enrollment, and I believe that the ice arena is a critical element to that plan’s success.”

The facility is envisioned as a community ice arena, partially funded by local government and open to the community. Early designs call for a single sheet of ice, but the building will be constructed to allow a second surface to be added in the future.

“We are deeply grateful for this gift,” said Dr. Jeffrey Docking, Adrian College president. “Robyn’s generosity is an incredible first step toward the success of the project.”

It is estimated that the arena will cost between $5.5 and $6 million to complete.

“These initial funds demonstrate that this project is underway,” said Rick Creehan, Adrian College executive vice president. “It might not be long before the families in the Adrian area are taking advantage of their own indoor ice facility.”

Arrington has already established himself as a major donor at the College, and a portion of the new student center bears his name. This latest gift is the second largest individual gift in the history of the College.

“Adrian helped give me my start,” Arrington said. “I’m glad for this opportunity to give back to this College and this community in some small way.”

He and his brother, Col. Harold Arrington, class of 1968, are both successful physicians and involved alumni.