Alumni Pavilion gym gets cool for summer

  Science+Technology+Environment  

La Sierra University’s Alumni Pavilion gymnasium celebrated a milestone near the end of fall quarter – the installation of an air conditioning system that will bring cooling comfort during the upcoming hot summer months.

Golden Eagles center Kristen Brummett (right) drives around a University of California, Merced player in a game at the Alumni Pavilion. This summer, the gym will be cooled by a new, $600,000 air conditioning system. (Photo: Adrian Wilson)
Golden Eagles center Kristen Brummett (right) drives around a University of California, Merced player in a game at the Alumni Pavilion. This summer, the gym will be cooled by a new, $600,000 air conditioning system. (Photo: Adrian Wilson)

The $600,000 system, funded out of a capital project, will open up the gymnasium to a wider range of uses during the summer, stated facilities manager John Munoz. “We are thrilled to have this project completed, because this upgrade has opened a wide range of use, specially during the hot summer, and with early athletic contests and practices starting in August,” he said.

“We can also rent our facility during the hot months and generate income, something very difficult to do before the AC was installed,” added Munoz. “Before we had no choice but to open the doors and try to use fans to get at least a breeze going, but during hot days it made very little difference.”

“The new air conditioning in the Alumni Pavilion will provide year-round comfort and safety for general users, classes, athletic practices and games, summer camps, and special events,” said Rob Thomas, chair of the Department of Health and Exercise Science. 

The air conditioning system installation is the latest of several renovations and upgrades the university has completed over the past couple of years. These upgrades include the remodeling of Hole Memorial Auditorium with 300 new seats, updated carpeting, improved lighting scones and chandeliers; the renovation of San Fernando Hall with new ceiling tiles, carpeting and a re-build of Lab 203 with auditorium seating; the transformation of South Hall into the Honors House with a new lobby, study rooms, library, new furniture, and remodeled residential rooms; and dormitory improvements in Calkins, Angwin and Sierra Towers dorms including renovated restrooms, enhanced windows and roofing.

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