PAINESVILLE, Ohio – Lake Erie College President Jennifer N. Schuller announced to campus on Thursday a grant of $1.5 million from the Lake County Board of Commissioners to construct an on-campus turf field that will serve as the home field for many of the Storm Athletic teams.
Schuller shares, "Lake Erie College is the only four-year baccalaureate granting institution in Lake County. When I met with the commissioners late last spring and shared our needs in order to remain a strong, viable institution, turfing this field was at the top of the list. We are a Division II college, and 80% of our students are student-athletes, so facilities such as this are an important recruitment and retention tool. I'm ecstatic and appreciative that, especially in such a short period of time, the commissioners are making this transformational grant."
"We are grateful for the opportunity to help improve the Lake Erie College athletic field," said Commissioner President John T. Plecnik. "We understand the importance of having a safe and well-maintained field for athletic activities, and we are committed to making sure that this project is a success. Lake Erie College is an anchor institution in Lake County, and we are proud to ensure they can thrive and support our growing community."
The current grass field is surrounded on three sides by the Lincoln Library and Learning Commons, a quadrant of residence halls, and the Jerome T. Osborne Athletic Facility and Wellness Center. By sheer means of its geographic location and the increased activity the turf will provide, it will create a sense of vibrancy and community on campus that is currently unprecedented.
"By funding the construction of a multi-purpose athletic field, we are not only providing Lake Erie College athletes with a top-notch facility to train and compete in, but also creating a space for the entire campus community to come together and support their teams," said Commissioner John R. Hamercheck.
"A well-maintained and modern athletic field is a crucial component of a successful college sports program. By allocating funding towards this project, we are showing our dedication to fostering a competitive and thriving athletic department at Lake Erie College," said Commissioner Richard J. Regovich. "We are honored to contribute to the improvement of this important aspect of the community and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on Lake Erie College and its athletes."
Moreover, the new outdoor facility will also have an economic and physical wellness impact on the City of Painesville and the county as a whole. Executive Director of Athletics Molly Hoffman comments, "What is especially great about this grant is it will provide us a greater opportunity to introduce K-12 students and local club teams to our campus and will enable us to host state and national tournaments. This increased activity will not only bring greater visibility to Lake Erie College but also bring tourism to the county and region."
This grant from the Lake County Board of Commissioners will cover the cost to turf and light the field. Lake Erie College will be looking for donors to further expand the project to include items such as an updated scoreboard, press box and grandstands. Naming opportunities are available.
For more information on the project or to donate, please contact Vice President of Advancement Connie Skingel at cskingel@lec.edu.
The facility is scheduled to be complete in time for Fall 2024 competition.
ABOUT LAKE ERIE COLLEGE
Lake Erie College, founded in 1856, provides an excellent, inclusive, and highly personalized education grounded in the liberal arts tradition. Guided by hope and care, our students are empowered to lead lives of personal significance and professional success as global citizens. We offer 35 undergraduate majors and master's programs in business administration, professional studies, education, and physician assistant studies. Our students compete in 19 NCAA Division II varsity sports and on three intercollegiate equestrian teams.
