Campus officials announced Thursday that they’ve raised more than $25 million in private support. That’s about half the amount needed to build the facility. University President Alexander Gonzalez says the center will help attract more students to the campus. 

"I mean this is all part of it, a welcoming campus. I don’t see the Recreation and Wellness Center as removed from what we do on this campus and that’s to provide an education not only about academic disciplines but about lifestyle as well and how to enjoy life."

A groundbreaking on the first phase of the project is set for this fall. Meantime, the arena, initially planned as part of the Rec Center, is now slated to be built as a separate facility.