HHPAC common questions

Doubling the size of its student body since 1960, Concordia has long since outgrown the current physical education facility. With that growth, there has evolved a greater number and variety of both varsity sports and intramural athletic activities offered for men and women, as well as amplified interest in personal fitness among members of the entire Concordia community. Academic programs have expanded from an elementary concentration and secondary minor to multiple teacher education and liberal arts programs. Additionally, the 45-year old facility is now utilized by the university community, the Seward community, the church and other constituents for swimming programs, sports tournaments, alumni gatherings, youth events, and many other activities.

The construction of a Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center will enable the university to provide an excellent, holistic education for its students by offering an environment that will:

• Advance academics
• Promote health and wellness
• Achieve excellence in athletics
• Enhance the spirit of community
• Build powerful partnerships

The Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center will have a positive impact on thousands of students, faculty and other constituents every year for generations to come. Specifically, it will serve:

• All Concordia students
• 140 students majoring in health and human performance
• 70 students majoring in related liberal arts areas
• 400 intercollegiate athletes in 18 sports
• 600 intramural participants
• Faculty and staff
• Seward area community members
• Alumni

Currently, the general student, faculty, staff and community are squeezed out of the facility due to lack of space. The new facility will allow everyone to enhance their overall experience at Concordia.

This building project is ultimately about students and the university's pursuit of excellence in Christian higher education. A state-of-the-art Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center is an essential tool for Concordia to meet its stated mission.

• Concordia will better fulfill its vision of providing a holistic, Christ-centered education.
• It will help Concordia's students and faculty reach their full academic potential in the area of Health and Human Performance.
• The entire campus community will engage in activities that promote health and wellness.
• It will allow scholar-athletes to strive for the highest level of performance possible.
• Concordia will assist in meeting the health and wellness needs of the Seward community, alumni and countless others in the region and beyond.

The facility has hit a wall! While health, human performance and athletic programs at Concordia remain strong due to the outstanding efforts of faculty, coaches and staff, the innovativeness of programs and because of the university's reputation and ability to attract students, the facility has reached the end of its usefulness.

Constructed in 1960, the present facility lacks:

• Ample space to house classrooms.
• The ability to expand and grow programs.
• A state-of-the-art performance gymnasium that enhances our scholar-athletes' abilities.
• A regulation performance gymnasium that facilitates volleyball and basketball tournaments with expanded seating.
• A modern weight room with the capacity to take care of the growing number of intercollegiate athletes who participate in the 18 sports offered at Concordia.
• Sufficient locker room space for participants.
• The ability to stand up to our peers.
• Amenities that permit regular scheduling for the general student population and intramural participants.
• A modern, ADA approved indoor swimming pool that is cost effective and easy to maintain.