March 2024 Publication

BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY

SIEBENS FIELDHOUSE EXPANSION AND RENOVATION

Beaver athletics play a pivotal role in the Buena Vista University student experience, building values of community, discipline, and excellence. Beyond the cheering crowds and competitive fields, we recognize that sports significantly contribute to personal growth, teamwork, and leadership skills. As we plan to break ground on a transformative addition to Siebens Fieldhouse, BVU initiates the first phase of a $10 million athletic campaign, made possible through three generous gifts totaling $6.3 million. Coming on the heels of the building of a new apartment-style residence hall, this project serves as an important second step in a series of renovations and expansions included in BVU’s ten-year strategic vision, Building Beyond Expectations.

“One of the core themes of BVU’s ten-year vision is building community, with the goal of this project to provide students access to facilities that better support their individual growth,” said President Brian A. Lenzmeier, Ph.D. “This addition and renovation will be the first of several projects in the athletics area that will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience for all students.”

The proposed expansion, spanning more than 7,000 square feet will feature a new athletic performance facility, featuring dedicated areas for strength training, conditioning, cross-training, and rehabilitation which will include 16-inground platforms and power racks, branded with weight plates and dumbbells, Olympic-style weightlifting equipment tailored to women and men, and over 1,000 square-feet of turf. Additionally, once the full $10 million is raised, the project will allow for the renovation of key spaces like the Al Baxter Wrestling Room, the Lamberti Recreation Center and Dennis Young Track, locker rooms, general workout space, meeting rooms, and coaches’ offices, further supporting the development and well-being of all students.

“This facility addition will strengthen our ability to compete at the highest levels of the American Rivers Conference and NCAA,” said Interim Athletics Director, Amy Maier. “It will better improve the environment for student-athlete development and their overall success.”

Siebens Fieldhouse, which first opened in 1969, is home to the Beavers 21 NCAA Division III teams. The facility houses athletic administrative offices, a gymnasium with a seating capacity of 3,000 spectators, the BVU Athletics Hall of Fame Room, the Fritcher Fitness Center, and the Al Baxter Wrestling Room. The last upgrade took place in 2021 with the repainting of the gymnasium floor and the addition of branding updates to the facilities.

BVU will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 3 to kick off the start of this expansion. Construction is set to begin this summer and will cause minimal disruption to scheduled events, as the new addition will take up an area that is currently pavement and lawn.

BVU’s commitment to excellence and student-athlete success takes a giant leap forward with this transformative project, setting the stage for a new era of athletic achievement and community engagement.

NEW PARTNERSHIP LEADS TO 3+1 NURSING PROGRAM

In an era where the demand for skilled professionals in healthcare is on the rise, Buena Vista University is taking proactive steps to address these needs. With our new strategic vision, Building Beyond Expectations, we have put an emphasis on building outcomes that focus on initiatives that will provide our students with more personalized opportunities to help them grow and reach their greatest potential.

Recognizing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, BVU has partnered with Mercy College of Health Sciences to introduce a Dual-Degree Nursing Program. This program aims to address the pressing healthcare shortages by providing students with a comprehensive education that combines the strengths of both institutions. This new partnership to offer a 3+1 program will offer students an opportunity to earn two degrees in four years. Students who enroll in this degree pathway will earn a bachelor’s degree from BVU and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through an accelerated one-year pathway from Mercy College.

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“We are thrilled to be able to offer our students this degree pathway with Mercy College of Health Sciences,” Buena Vista University President Brian A. Lenzmeier, Ph.D., stated. “This partnership aligns nicely with our strategic priorities of building connections, community, and outcomes for our students. By establishing these collaborations, we support students from both of our proud institutions in transforming their education, pursuing their careers, and providing quality healthcare to the rural communities of northwest Iowa.”

By fostering collaboration between two reputable institutions, BVU and Mercy College are contributing to the development of a skilled and diverse healthcare workforce, ultimately improving patient care and community well-being.

Upon completion of their third year on BVU’s campus in Storm Lake, students who meet admission requirements for Mercy College will begin their nursing coursework. Students will complete their Mercy College nursing courses on BVU’s campus while clinical experiences will be delivered in Storm Lake and the surrounding area. After successful completion of Mercy College’s nursing coursework, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam). The first accelerated nursing cohort offered in Storm Lake will begin in the summer of 2025. Students interested in this program can enroll at BVU starting Fall 2024.

This new Dual-Degree Nursing Program with Mercy College exemplifies BVU’s commitment to addressing the needs of our students. As this program takes shape, it not only benefits the students involved but will also have a positive impact on healthcare, creating a ripple effect that extends to the rural communities of northwest Iowa.

RYAN EXLINE ‘19

Tell us about you and your family, and your connection to BVU. I grew up in Grimes and attended Dallas Center-Grimes High School. My wife, Mikayla (Foster), is a native of Johnston and graduated from Johnston High School. We dated before we enrolled at Buena Vista University. We both graduated from BVU in 2019 and were the first in our families to attend BVU.

What is your favorite memory from BVU? From living on campus?

My fondest memories revolve around the camaraderie and friendships made during men’s soccer pre-season. We came to campus as a team and spent time together hanging out in the Suites between practices when we were having our two-a-days. The bonds formed during those pre-season days with teammates who later became lifelong friends are what sets BVU apart.

When Mikayla and I tied the knot in 2023, every member of my groom’s party was a friend I had met while playing soccer for the Beavers.

Reflecting on my athletic journey, a standout moment occurred when I scored off a corner kick in the final minute, to win the game. It was a feeling I’ll never forget!

What activities were you involved in at BVU?

Along with men’s soccer, I was a member of the Student Activities Board (SAB) helping plan events and activities for BVU students. I loved bingo night and being able to attend the free movie nights through SAB. Everyone loved those events!

“THE BONDS FORMED DURING THOSE PRESEASON DAYS WITH TEAMMATES WHO LATER BECAME LIFELONG FRIENDS ARE WHAT SETS BVU APART.”

Did any specific faculty and/or staff have a special impact on you during your time at BVU?

As a biology major, I spent a lot of my time in the Science Center. Dr. Brian Lenzmeier’s microbiology course and lab were great all-around experiences for me. Dr. Lenzmeier consistently helped and dedicated effort to keep me further engaged in the sciences. He attended all our home soccer games and asked about the games afterward. It was great to have someone as a professor who was that involved with student-athletes. He wasn’t the only one. The same thing can be said for Dr. Thom Bonagura and Dr. Kristy McClellan. All three went above and beyond for students.

As a student-athlete, it was important to be physically prepared for each season to participate at your best. BVU Athletics recently announced an expansion to Siebens Fieldhouse with new space dedicated to enhancing the athletic performance for student-athletes. As a former student-athlete and now a practicing health professional, how important is it for our student-athletes to train in a facility like this?

The proposed expansion to the weight and fitness facility at Siebens Fieldhouse will be awesome. Expanding the area will significantly benefit student-athletes, teams, and their schedules. Being able to train while looking out on Peterson Field will add another layer of motivation, allowing student-athletes to focus on exactly why they’re working to get stronger and faster: They want to excel on our home field!

BVU has partnered with Mercy College of Health Sciences to host their nursing program on BVU’s campus in Storm Lake, to create pathways for BVU students who want to be a practicing nurse. You received your education to be a nurse through Mercy College. Tell us about your preparation and experience transitioning from BVU to Mercy College. Why is this an important partnership for current and future BVU students?

With my background as a biology major from BVU, I was able to complete the accelerated nursing program through Mercy College of Health Sciences. I found that the in-depth anatomy and physiology courses I had at BVU provided me with a great foundation and prepared me for an almost seamless transition into nursing.

The 3+1 program for BVU and Mercy College is a great idea. This initiative will help BVU and Mercy College to address a shortage in the nursing field, a shortage we’ve seen in the post-pandemic world. Mikayla and I are super excited for BVU as this partnership further establishes BVU as a regional leader.

Thank you for volunteering your time and sharing with the BVU community your experiences in such a meaningful way. Why is giving back to BVU important to you?

I love my job! I appreciate what my professors did for me at BVU as they were incredibly helpful in getting me to where I am today. I am excited about developments like the partnership between BVU and Mercy College. I am eager to share it with others because I know the value of a BVU education. I had people to look up to in my future profession when I was a student. I want to encourage others in the same way and share the role BVU had in following my passion.

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SAVE THE DATE

610 West 4th St. Storm Lake, IA 50588

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

CELEBRATING THE ART OF STORYTELLING WITH ALEX MAHER APRIL 12 | 7 P.M.

Pick up a pencil and let Buena Vista University Artist in Residence, Disney artist, Alex Maher teach you how to draw a popular Disney Character. Celebrate the Art of Storytelling with the grand opening of the new exhibit, Capturing Character in the BVU Art Gallery.

Capturing Character is a magical display of Disney art by Alex Maher plus art from BVU art and animation students.

BUENAFICATION DAY

APRIL 18

Join us for BVU’s annual day of service, as Beavers come together to give back to the Storm Lake community and beyond.