Grand Rapids Communicaty College held a rededication ceremony for their newly renovated fieldhouse, which they named after President Gerald R. Ford.
Mike Ford, the son of President Ford and first lady Betty Ford, spoke during the ceremony Monday afternoon. GRCC offered an open house opportunity and tours of the Ford Fieldhouse.
Mike Ford, the oldest of the four Ford children, recently completed a career in higher education, serving the past 36 years in multiple leadership roles at Wake Forest University. He received the Medallion of Merit Award from the university in 2018.
The Ford Fieldhouse, located at 111 Lyon St. NE, underwent $8 million in renovations starting in May, creating a state-of-the-art facility for Exercise Science Department classes, GRCC athletics, commencement and public events.
Renovations are intended to enhance student learning, support student-athletes’ performance and create a more comfortable environment for spectators and community events.
Some new features include air conditioning throughout the building, upgraded LED lighting for the Gordon Hunsberger Arena, three classes for exercise science and other programs, team lockers rooms with increased seating and technology for both studying and game preparations, portable basketball hoops, two more basketball courts for more recreation and practice space and an updated athletic training room.
Murals and trophy cases have been added in the Paganelli Foyer sharing GRCC's athletic legacy.
The fieldhouse, originally called the Gerald R. Ford Health and Physical Education Center, was constructed in 1976 at a cost of $5 million. GRCC -- then Grand Rapids Junior College -- hosted President Ford and first lady Betty Ford at the dedication in November.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.