April 14, 2020
Pan Athletic Center construction to begin
New leadership gifts spark Board of Trustees approvalPhillips Academy has achieved a major milestone for the highly anticipated Pan Athletic Center. Thanks to a series of recent investments, including a flexible leadership gift from Trustee Tristin ’82 and Martin Mannion P’19, project support reached the required financial threshold. During its February meeting, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move the project from the design phase to construction.
Eighty alumni and parents have committed to the athletics building to date, including Zhang Xin and Pan Shiyi P’17, ’19, whose foundational gift in 2018 spurred ongoing momentum.
“It’s truly gratifying to know that our alumni and parents believe so strongly in the school’s vision for health and wellness,” said Tristin Mannion. Following construction of the Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center and the Snyder Center, “Pan represents the latest in a series of new facilities that continue to elevate Andover’s programs.”
The 70,000-square-foot structure will house a swimming and diving complex, dance studios, wrestling facilities, and the Athletics Hall of Honor. To be situated near the Snyder Center, the new building is the latest step forward for the Campus Master Plan and corresponding Athletic Facilities Master Plan, which seeks to ensure Andover students have top-tier facilities for both interscholastic competition and general health and wellness.
Pan represents the latest in a series of new facilities that continue to elevate Andover’s programs.
”The Pan Athletic Center represents not only a boost for student-athletes, but also a vote of confidence in Andover’s leadership. First championed by 15th Head of School John Palfrey P’21, ’23, and advanced by Interim Head of School Jim Ventre ’79, the center will be completed under the direction of Dr. Raynard Kington, who will become 16th head of school this summer.
“This is an extraordinary moment of affirmation,” said Trustee Amy Falls ’82, P’19, ’21. “With John’s vision, we launched this ambitious project. Jim has ensured our constant energy in moving it forward. And, in my conversations with recent donors, many have shared that their investments also reflect excitement for Raynard’s arrival.”
Groundbreaking will occur this spring, following the razing of Case Memorial Cage and the Smith Center. As construction begins, philanthropic opportunities to name signature spaces within the new athletic complex will remain crucial to the project’s financing.
With these latest commitments, the Knowledge & Goodness campaign has now reached $280 million toward its $400 million goal. Launched in 2017, the campaign is the largest in independent school history and aims to strengthen every aspect of teaching and learning on the Andover campus.
Categories: Philanthropy, Campaign News
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