Goergen Athletic Center main entrance
Built in 1930 as part of the original River Campus buildings, the physical education complex was in part named the Alumni Gymnasium. The complex included the gymnasium, a swimming pool, the Louis Alexander Palestra basketball arena, and a field house, complete with an indoor track. In 1980, the Zornow Sports Center was added, which included a new 25-yard by 25-meter eight-lane swimming pool, a diving pool, three basketball courts, and four tennis courts. The old swimming pool area in the Alumni Gymnasium was turned into a fitness center.
In 2000 the physical education complex was dedicated as the Robert B. Goergen Athletic Center to recognize the then Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Robert Goergen, in support of the largest renovation the facility has experienced. A 1960 alumnus, Goergen is a major benefactor of the College and has served as an advisor, trustee, and friend to the University over many decades. The key component of the Goergen Center renovation is the new Edmund A Hajim Gymnasium, named in honor of trustee Edmund A. Hajim '58.
The renovation spanned two years and two phases of construction. The Hajim Gym has new coaches' offices, locker rooms, and a spacious 11,000-square-foot fitness center/weight room, equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. The Palestra was expanded, the pool spectator area was renovated, the Zornow basketball and indoor tennis courts were reconfigured, the field house underwent aesthetic improvements, a new training room was created, and an air-conditioned squash/racquetball addition was built. The formal dedication of the 300,000-square-foot Goergen Athletic Center was part of the Sesquicentennial celebration in October 2000.
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