September 15, 2023- Millikin University students, faculty, and alum gathered on the university’s campus for the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new David J. and Debra C. Rathje Athletic Center.
The $10 million, 17,555-square-foot facility will be located south of Frank M. Lindsay Field and west of Griswold Physical Education Center.
The facility will include:
- Weight room named after former Big Blue Football Coach Carl Poelker ’68 and Jim Perryman ’83, a former NFL player.
- Locker rooms for the football and track and field teams
- Football Hall of Fame which will include retired jerseys and team recognition
- Offices for football, soccer, and track and field coaches
- Office for Athletic Director coaches, and the Athletic Director
- Training room
- Conference room
- Team meeting room.
The facility is funded by donations, and led by the generous gifts from David and Debra Rathje, Jim Perryman, and the Perryman family.
“We very much believe in giving back to our community, which is one of the reasons why we chose to support this building project,” David Rathje said. “As someone who was born and raised in Decatur, we want to see the community and Millikin University thrive. We believe that the addition of on-campus athletic facilities aids in the recruitment of student-athletes and also increases the enjoyment of campus life for all students.”
Board of Trustees Chair Ron Branch believes that the athletic facility can open more doors and opportunities for Big Blue athletics, that for so long have not been afforded to the athletic program due to its facility’s current state of affairs.
“Because so many of our students play for the Big Blue, our athletic facilities are an important part of the overall undergraduate experience, supporting student-athlete recruiting, practice and competition,” Branch said. “In addition, this new 17,555 square foot facility will allow the Big Blue to host large tournaments and NCAA championship athletic contests. Opportunities that are not possible with our current facility. This is a good day for Millikin student athletes, the athletic program, and Millikin as a whole.”
The facility is expected to be completed by late 2024.
For more information on the Rathje Athletic Center or to make a gift in support of this project, click HERE.
