New multimillion dollar athletic and fitness facilities are in the future for Defiance College, part of a $26 million comprehensive capital campaign that was announced to the public Friday.

More than half of a new capital campaign for Defiance College has already been received or pledged after an intensive advanced gifts phase. The campaign, "Transforming Difference: A Campaign to Defy the Ordinary," is the largest campaign in the college's history.

Though $13.5 million has already been raised through donations and pledges, "Continued and increased support is essential for the college," said George Smart, chairman of the board of FirstEnergy, Defiance College trustee and campaign chairman. "We want every student who enters college to have an opportunity for a life-changing experience of academic and personal growth. Defiance College is uniquely positioned to realize this goal, and we believe the success of the capital campaign will be a milestone in our vision."

Focusing on capital projects, endowment, and the annual fund, the largest projects of the campaign are a $10.9 million wellness and fitness center/field house and $5 million in endowed student scholarships.

The 75,000-square-foot wellness and fitness center/field house will be the largest facility of its kind in northwest Ohio.

It will include a six-lane, 200-meter indoor track, indoor tennis facilities, batting cages, expanded fitness center and golf driving/putting practice green.

This project is an addition to the Weaner Center/McMaster gymnasium, which will also receive a major facelift including new floors, scoreboards, bleachers and restrooms.

"The wellness and fitness center/field house will be a spectacular tool for recruiting student athletes and offering numerous resources for all students interested in fitness and intramural opportunities," said Rich Pejeau, vice president of institutional advancement. "The building will be a hub of student recreation and also offer an ideal venue for high school and NCAA track meets."

Also included in capital projects is a $1.5 million renovation of the current McReynolds and Whitney residence halls.

Both facilities will receive new furniture, computer labs, common study lounges, upgraded laundry facilities and new paint, flooring, fixtures and windows.

The success of the advanced gifts phase has enabled renovations for Schomburg Auditorium and Weaner Center/McMaster gymnasium to begin and Whitney Hall and Tenzer Hall, including a new addition, to be completed.

Endowment priorities focus on faculty and students with $1.8 million for faculty research, professional education and development of academic programs as well as $5 million for student support and scholarships. Annual fund priorities focus on strategic academic program development and creating a 21st century environment that makes Defiance College an appealing choice for students.

"This is an exciting time for Defiance College," said Dr. Charles Warren, interim president. "The Defy the Ordinary campaign will transform the college in so many ways from building projects to greater endowments and scholarships and continuing enrichment of the college experience that our annual gifts provide. Defiance College students will make a difference in the future of this country, and we are working hard to give them the tools they will need."

For more information about making tax-deductible donations to the Defiance College capital campaign, contact the office of institutional advancement at 419-783-2572 or visit the DC website at www.defiance.edu. Naming opportunities are still available.