BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont's Board of Trustees today approved an additional $1 million from gift funds to move forward with the Design Development phase of planning for the Athletic Department's Multi-Purpose Facility project.
 
"I'm very encouraged by today's decision to move forward with the next phase of planning for the Multi-Purpose Facility project," said Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman '89. "This decision is another example of the momentum that is building in support of this critical project and keeps us on track for a construction start in early 2019. Feedback from students, alumni, our loyal fans, and the broader community has been incredibly positive and I'm looking forward to continued work with our trustees, university leadership, and my Athletic Department colleagues to deliver a truly transformational facility project."
 
In February, the Board of Trustees unanimously passed resolutions approving the initial concept for the project, authorizing funds to begin the schematic design work and calling for a cost estimate and funding plan. 
 
The proposed Multi-Purpose Facility will include a spectacular new events center that will serve as the home for men's and women's basketball while also hosting a variety of campus and public events. In addition, the project includes a transformational renovation of Gutterson Fieldhouse for men's and women's hockey, and dramatic upgrades to the health, wellness and recreation facilities for the entire campus. These upgrades will result in a five-fold increase to the amount of dedicated space available for campus recreation. 
 
UVM Athletics will name center court in Patrick Gymnasium "Tom Brennan Court" at a ceremony preceding the men's basketball game against Siena on Dec. 11. The court-naming opportunity is the result of a $1 million fundraising goal established to both recognize Coach Brennan and advance the planning for the overall Multi-Purpose Facility.
 
It was also announced this week that David Daigle '89, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, and his wife Beth Daigle '89 have pledged $1 million to the project. Their gift will be directed toward facilities that will enhance student health and wellness on campus, as well as programs that encourage all UVM students to lead healthier lives.
 
The Board of Trustees will be receiving an update on the Design Development work at its scheduled meeting in February of 2018.