University of the PACIFIC

University of the Pacific will dedicate the new Janssen-Lagorio Multipurpose Gymnasium at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The dedication is a private event with supporters of the project and will include guest speakers and dinner. Following the ceremony, the Pacific men's basketball team will play University of Nevada at the Spanos Center at 7 p.m.

Located between the Alex G. Spanos Center and Long Theatre, the gymnasium opened to students and athletes on Oct. 28. Construction of the facility started in December 2008 with the goal of providing a large modern facility for team practices and student recreation.

"Due to the generosity of Kathy and Dean Janssen, and other donors, we now have a great new facility that will benefit our students in so many ways," said Vice President for Student Life Elizabeth Griego. "Pacific is fortunate to have supporters who recognize the importance of investing in Pacific's distinctive whole person model of education; supporters who value the highest quality in facilities as well as in teaching."

Construction of the $7.5 million gymnasium was made possible by a $1 million gift by the Janssen-Lagorio Family Foundation. A trustee of the Foundation, Kathleen Lagorio Janssen and husband Dean Janssen are longtime supporters of Pacific. Kathleen is a Pacific Regent and 1968 graduate of the Benerd School of Education. Dean is a former educator and high school coach in the Stockton community. They were inducted into the Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.

The 23,732-square-foot Multipurpose Gymnasium can be divided by moveable walls into smaller practice areas. It also has a training room and a storage area for equipment. The gymnasium has central air conditioning and modern changing facilities, amenities that do not exist in the south campus and main gymnasiums, which were built in the 1940s.

"This new gymnasium allows Pacific coaches and athletes to conduct more productive practice sessions and provides a comfortable atmosphere for students to enjoy recreational sports," said Lynn King, director of Athletics. "With the many values and lessons students learn through sports, this facility will undoubtedly contribute to the University's goal of whole student learning. I want to thank all of the donors who've helped make this tremendous facility a reality."