The Green family, which owns Hobby Lobby and Mardel bookstores, this week donated $10 million to Evangel University in Springfield. The funds will support several initiatives, including the complete renovation of a residential dorm, a new state-of-the art arena and a fieldhouse on campus.
This is the largest gift given to the university in its 67-year history and will serve as the lead gift for a $22 million new construction campaign.
“We thank the Greens for their landmark contribution,” university President Mike Rakes said. “This gift fuels growing momentum as we expand the university’s footprint to raise up Spirit-driven students full of compassion with the skills to innovate in every vocation. This investment is the spark needed to continue transforming the student experience and move the university into the future.”
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The gift comes as Evangel continues to build momentum with Rakes’ first year at the helm. After the campaign is fully funded, campus upgrades will include the following:
- The complete renovation of a residence hall. The new state-of-the-art dormitory for students will be a modernized environment and include the latest living spaces, along with private study areas and innovative meeting and lounging areas.
- A new arena that will not only provide opportunities for the entire student body to enjoy varsity basketball and volleyball games together but also provide a new space for concerts, chapel and other activities.
- The construction of a new fieldhouse that will be home to the university’s football program, coaches’ offices, athletic trainers and state-of-the-art varsity weight room.
- A new lighted artificial intramural field, which will enhance Evangel’s student community.
These construction projects address Rakes’ top presidential strategic priorities to elevate the student experience and advance the brand of Evangel University. Construction timelines and details about these projects will be announced soon.
The Green family previously donated tens of millions of dollars to Oral Roberts University in Tulsa.
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice
