Georgetown College to renovate alumni gym and fitness center thanks to two grants

Georgetown College has received two grants from local charitable organizations to make needed upgrades and updates to two of its athletic facilities: the Davis-Reid Alumni Gym and the fitness center. The grants, totalling $3 million, will give the school the ability to modernize the historic buildings.

According to an article on Georgetown College’s website, Chris Oliver, who serves as both the Vice President for Athletics and Head Football Coach, explained what some of the updates will be. He is quoted as saying, “With these funds we will be able to replace the current floor, bleachers, ceiling, lighting, bathrooms, and HVAC systems. We are very excited to be able to provide an upgraded experience to not only our students, but also to our campus, alumni, and greater Georgetown community – especially as we approach the 100-year anniversary of the building.”

The Davis-Reid Alumni Gym, which was renamed in 2012 in honor of basketball coaches Bob Davis and Jim Reid, was originally constructed in 1926 and then renovated in 1986. The facility has served many purposes over the years, including as a chapel, a classroom, and even a dormitory. Today, the Davis-Reid Alumni Gym is the home to several of the college’s sports teams, including both men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball.

The fitness center, which is adjacent to the Davis-Reid Alumni Gym, is open to all on the campus, whether or not they are athletes. In honor of the larger of the two donations that have come in to help with these projects, the fitness center will be renamed.

President Rosemary Allen said, “This is a huge win for Georgetown College. And to honor the Brown Foundation’s $2 million gift, I am excited to announce that the campus fitness center will be renamed the ‘James A. and Martha R. Brown Recreation Center’ in honor of the Foundation’s generosity.”

The two gifts that will be funding these projects come from the James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation in the amount of $2 million and the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation in the amount of $1 million. 

For more information about Georgetown College, visit the school’s website.