(KTTS News) — Evangel University plans to use a $1 million donation to help build an outdoor sports and performance facility on its campus.

Groundbreaking is expected to take place later this year.

The facility will be home to the football program, athletic trainers, and the varsity weight room.

The lead gift is from university supporter Shirley Rowden, a philanthropist from central Missouri who believes in the mission of the university and the vision of Dr. Mike Rakes for the next phase of campus development.

The university is still working on finalizing fundraising for the project.

Press Release

Evangel University recently received a $1 million donation to serve as the lead gift towards the construction of an outdoor sports and performance facility on its campus.

This facility will allow the university to further develop and expand its athletic complex and will be home to the football program, athletic trainers, and varsity weight room.

“Our goal is to elevate the student experience on campus,” Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel University president, said. “This gift will allow us to move forward with construction plans to house athletic programs and provide an exceptional training environment for our student athletes.”

The gift is from university supporter Shirley Rowden, a philanthropist from central Missouri who believes in the mission of the university and the vision of Dr. Mike Rakes for the next phase of campus development.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of Mrs. Rowden,” Hector Cruz, senior director of development, said. “This gift is key to the ongoing enhancements at Evangel that are making this campus a university of the future.”

The total cost of the project is being finalized and fundraising is ongoing.

It is anticipated that a groundbreaking will take place later this year with a ceremony held during the university’s annual Homecoming celebration in October.