CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind., Oct. 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Part of a $2 million gift from Jay Allen '79 and his wife Susan will keep Wabash College's athletics and recreation center among the finest facilities in the nation.
The gift celebrates the College's rich tradition of athletics and recreation in the building that bears his family's name. It provides state-of-the art equipment for recreational users and varsity athletes alike, including a completely refurbished fitness center and new weight room, while improving the experience for Wabash students and boosting the College's recruitment efforts.
The generous gift continues a legacy established by his parents, Bob '57 and Betty H'57, whose $10 million gift in 1998 made the Allen Athletics and Recreation Center possible.
"I'm very proud to have our name on a facility that is so important to students and in demonstrating the commitment we have to our students," Jay says. "Our commitment to providing funds continues to do what my dad did in making sure this facility remains important and relevant."
The centerpiece of the Little Giant athletic complex, the Allen Center, is a key reason Wabash has been ranked in the top 20 nationally for facilities (No. 13), support (No. 19), and intramural participation (No. 4) by the Princeton Review.
"Wabash was an important part of my father's life, and it's become an important part of my life," said Jay, who is in his second year as Chair of the Wabash Board of Trustees. "I'm impressed with what this College does for young men and the impact we can have on so many men with an interest in making something more of themselves. That is what makes me continually dedicated."
The economics major and current Managing Director for Bank of America Merrill Lynch freely admits that the idea of making such a large donation isn't easy. The Allens often ask a simple question: where is the greatest need?
"Susan and I are fortunate to have sufficient resources to live comfortably and support our children," he explains. "As we consider other ways to share our good fortune, Wabash College is at the top of the list."
SOURCE Wabash College
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