Momentum Builds for Athletic Complex

MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR COPELAND ATHLETIC COMPLEX

$4.7 MILLION NEEDED BY JULY 2023 TO RECEIVE $2 MILLION GRANT

Momentum from the successful effort to build the Cunningham Center, which opened last March, has propelled MNU into the next capital phase of the Bright Futures Campaign—a new $12 million Athletic Complex and athletic facilities upgrade. Excitement grew in Olathe and the Kansas City Metro this September when President David Spittal announced the complex would be named for Mayor Michael Copeland (’94), who served Olathe for six terms. Copeland passed away in August 2020.

“Mike was a football player and served as student body president at MidAmerica,” said Spittal. “He went on to a successful business career and became Olathe’s longestserving mayor. His influence on MNU and Olathe is evident in virtually every aspect of our community. What a fitting way to honor his legacy at the university he loved.”

Plans for the athletic complex include a new football stadium, track and practice field, and expanded locker rooms and team meeting space. The stadium will include a state-of-the-art press box, locker rooms and concessions.

With $5.3 million already given or pledged toward the project, MNU approached the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation with a request for funding. The Mabee Foundation provides support for physical buildings and facilities. To apply for a grant, at least 40% of the total needed must already be raised. In July, the foundation awarded MNU a $2 million challenge grant. To receive these funds, the remaining $4.7 million for the athletic complex must be raised in gifts and pledges by July 12, 2023.

BRIGHT FUTURES “This award represents the university’s seventh Mabee Foundation challenge grant,” said Spittal. “Mabee has had a significant long-term influence at MNU and we are blessed by this vote of confidence in our institution.”

Olathe Mayor Mike Copeland (second from right) with former presidents, Drs. Ed Robinson, Donald Owens, Richard Spindle and President David Spittal. Mabee grants have supported several facilities, including the Cunningham Center, Bell Cultural Events Center, Cook Wellness Center, Weatherby Chapel and the Mabee Learning Commons.

The athletic stadium and other project components will create an exceptional collegiate experience for athletic teams that already compete at an outstanding level.

“The new facilities will match the quality of student athletes we enroll at MNU and will help us attract more who are seeking that competitive ‘home’ advantage in the facilities they perform in,” Spittal says.

Bright Futures Campaign Co-chair and MNU Board of Trustees Chair Dan Rexroth anticipates a high level of involvement from alumni and university donors in this next phase of the campaign.

“A challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation provides important momentum to the fundraising efforts for this part of the campaign,” Rexroth says. “We know there will be strong support among alumni and others who appreciate the benefits of providing an athletic facility of this caliber.”

“This gift provides energy and focus for donors to invest in future generations of young people,” says Dr. Jon North, vice president for university advancement. “We are thrilled by the opportunity before us to create something important and lasting for our community.” Groundbreaking will take place once all funds are committed, with a 12-to-18-month build-time for completion.

For more information on Bright Futures: The Campaign for MNU, visit mnu.edu/bright-futures.