THE DRIVE TO EXCELLENCE Campus Recreation
ARTHUR D. AND ROSELYN CHOWN GOLF LEARNING CENTER
A PATH WITH A PURPOSE A path with purpose, golf has been an integral part of Western Illinois University for nearly 80 years. Beginning with the first 3-hole course on the front lawn of Sherman Hall and expanding to a 9-hole golf course to the west of campus in the 1940’s, golf at WIU was on the forefront of greatness. The WIU’s Men’s Golf team would become a nationally recognized golf team in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, winning two NAIA National Championships in 1959 and 1962. These victories elevated interest in golf at Western and the course became a focal point of learning, while serving a wide range of university and community needs. As space for academic buildings and residence halls became limited, the need to move the golf course was imminent. In 1972 a new 9-hole course, named after Western’s first golf coach Oscar L. Champion, was built off campus on the bluff of the LaMoines River. In 2000, former Leatherneck player, Eric Gleacher, made a generous donation to expand the 9-hole course to a complete 18-hole championship facility. On July 6, 2001 the Harry Mussatto Golf Course was opened to rave reviews. The rolling hills of the La Moines River Valley once again proved to be the perfect setting for a golf course with scenic views and challenging golf shots. The expansion of the course was the perfect time for Western to add Women’s Golf to its offerings of NCAA Division I sports. While the course has evolved and expanded over the years, the 1600 square foot clubhouse has remained a constant since it was built in 1972. While it served its purpose for many years, the current structure has become outdated and no longer meets today’s demands. In comparison to the 18-hole championship golf course and practice facility, the existing clubhouse is lacking in many ways, including one restroom that is not ADA compliant, the absence of locker rooms or shower facilities for our students athletes, and extremely limited dining and customer social space. Even though it is long overdue, building a new clubhouse that will meet the current needs for our coaches, student-athletes, and the community at-large is a priority.
“Golf inspires integrity, self-discipline and humility in its players—values that reach far beyond the fairway.”
The First Tee
“The Arthur D. and Roselyn Chown Learning Center will be the finishing touch on our championship golf facility. It will offer a learning and gathering space for our golf teams, Western Illinois University, and the greater Macomb community. This project has been a long time in the making; I’m thrilled and grateful to see it coming together.”
Lia Biehl Lukkarinen, Head Women’s Golf Coach
DRIVING THE BALL With the support of WIU alumni, faculty, staff, members, and friends, the University will construct a new 3,360 square feet clubhouse and learning center, more than doubling the existing space. Roselyn Chown, a 1956 graduate from Western Illinois University, has made a lead gift to name WIU’s new clubhouse at The Harry Mussatto Golf Course in memory of her beloved husband, Arthur D. Chown. Art and Roselyn were married on July 1, 1956, in Havana, Illinois. Together they raised three children, Lisa, Jeff, and Tim. The family moved to Macomb, IL in 1965 when Art was named Internal Auditor at Western Illinois University. While employed at WIU, Art received a Master’s degree in 1972. He then served as the WIU comptroller, business manager, and Vice President for Administrative Services until his retirement in l991. Art also received the Western Illinois University Distinguished Alumni Award in l991. Art and Roselyn were avid golfers and very supportive of The Harry Mussatto Golf Course, which is why this gift is so fitting and will serve as a lasting tribute to their love for the game, WIU, and the golf course.
The new Arthur D. and Roselyn Chown Golf Learning Center will include: • • •
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*WIU Facilities Management created these conceptual drawings for rendering purposes only and are not a representation of the actual building.
The addition of locker room space for the Leatherneck men’s and women’s golf programs. Two private offices for the men’s and women’s golf coaches. A 900 square foot all-purpose room doubling as a dining and lounging area during operational months (March-November) and an indoor practice area during off season (December-February). A large outdoor patio with winter outdoor hitting bays. The expansion from a single restroom to two separate ADA compliant restrooms for men and women. A full service golf pro shop.
A PATH WITH A PURPOSE The Harry Mussatto Golf Course has long provided educational, recreational, and competitive opportunities to all of its constituents. Promoting the game of golf is a focal point through teaching University golf classes, playing host to the growing senior population of McDonough County, and teaching junior golf through the Macomb Area Jr. Golf Association and the Iowa Section PGA.
The Chown Golf Learning Center will create a paradigm shift for what is possible at The Harry Mussatto Golf Course. Below are just a few examples of what the new clubhouse space will provide: •
An opportunity to host NCAA competitions and other regional golf events that will bring both positive exposure for Western Illinois University and economic benefit to the City of Macomb.
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The complete golf and social experience for the “destination” golfer by complimenting the championship caliber Harry Mussatto Golf Course.
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Increased opportunities for growing the game of golf through educational venues including University golf classes, camps, clinics and individual lessons.
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An opportunity to promote the game of golf to our increasing McDonough County Senior population.
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The golfing enthusiast with an increased selection of merchandise only found at a professionally registered golf course.
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A quality venue to host community golf outings, large group outings, and University outings (i.e. Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Pork Producers, etc.).
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A technologically advanced building that would make golf fun to learn and increase participation.
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An indoor/outdoor practice area for the men’s and women’s golf programs during winter months.
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An enhanced opportunity for the recruitment of students, student athletes, faculty/staff, and job seekers to the Macomb community.
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A facility that would benefit the local youth of Macomb and the surrounding area youth programs (i.e. MAJGA, LPGA Girls, Hook a Kid on Golf).
“Art and Roselyn have meant so much to Western Illinois University and to be able to name the facility in their honor is very fitting. The flexibility of the building will provide us the opportunity to host local, regional, and national events in addition to being an indoor practice facility during the winter months. The Chown Golf Learning is the icing on the cake at already one of the premier university golf facilities in the Midwest.” Mel Blasi, Head Men’s Golf Coach
NAMING OPPORTUNITY Clubhouse Multipurpose/Commons Area Pro Shop Men’s Locker Room Women’s Locker Room Men’s Coach Office Women’s Coach Office Patio Space Hitting Bay Area (2 Total) Fireplace Men’s Lockers (12 total) Women’s Lockers (12 total) Benches (2-4)
$315,000 Donation Secured $100,000 $75,000 $35,000 $35,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $10,000 each $5,000 Donation Secured $2,500 each $2,500 each $1,000 each
GIVING RECOGNITION LEVELS MEDALIST $100,000 or more EAGLE $50,000 – $99,999 BIRDIE $10,000 – $49,999 PAR $5,000 – $9,999 LEADER $2,500 – $4,999 TARGET $1,000 – $2,499 FAIRWAY $500 – $999
SWING INTO ACTION With your help, The Harry Mussatto Golf Course will continue to be home for the legacy of golf in the region. Be a part of defining the next 100 years of success at Western Illinois University. Please complete and return the attached/enclosed response card to make your tax deductible donation. Checks should be made payable to the WIU Foundation and can be mailed to: 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455.
Inquiries are welcome! Contact: Mel Blasi Director of Golf Operations/Men’s Golf Coach Office: 309-298-3676 | Cell: 309-255-5575 MB-Blasi@wiu.edu Lia Lukkarinen Assistant Director of Golf/Women’s Golf Coach 309-298-3676 LB-Lukkarinen@wiu.edu
*WIU Facilities Management created these conceptual drawings for rendering purposes only and are not a representation of the actual building.