Testimonials
Rob Peters, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology
"Having access to a complete gym right at work is also such a huge benefit to employees of Aquinas College. Daily physical activity is a critical component of optimum health and performance and can impact all parts of the human experience. Strength training becomes even more important to our survival and wellness as we age and is much easier and more enjoyable with access to a complete athletic facility right at work. I also love seeing students in the gym and it sometimes gives me a chance to check in on them, catch up or answer questions. Any improvements to our fitness facilities are an investment in the wellness and performance of all Aquinas College community members."
Brian Matzke,
Vice President of Enrollment Management
"I find the weight room to be not only a place to holistically grow, but also a great source of community. I have had many great conversations with students between reps, and some of our Kinesiology majors have also offered great suggestions to help maximize my workout. I love interacting with students, and working up a sweat together shows the human element of the community we have here at Aquinas. It is an important resource and space on our campus."
Claudette Charney,
Interim Director of Athletics
"This project is incredibly important to the entire Aquinas College community - our student body, faculty, staff, and external community members, as well. Our community deserves a renovated and well-maintained space with updated and functional equipment. We have put together a strong plan to renovate our current space and increase such an important and necessary area for fitness and recreation."
McKenna Kaczor,
AQ Student Senate - Academic Affairs Director, Dual Sport Athlete
"As a dual sport athlete at Aquinas, the weight room helps ensure I can play both Hockey and Rugby safely. Being able to perform and accurately represent AQ partly stems from the time spent in the weight room. Our weight room not only services athletic teams but staff, faculty, and non-athlete students. It would be awesome to see this project come together for the Aquinas community in addition to adding athlete safety for all of the athletic teams we have."
Brandon Rozema,
AQ Student Athlete
“The Aquinas College Student experience will greatly benefit from this project. This project will also help our athletic programs improve performance in their respective areas of competition.“
Ryan Bertoia, '06
Head Basketball Coach
"We have made great progress from having to lift, workout and train in the upper corners of the fieldhouse and basement of St. Joe's hall. We are blessed to have the Sturrus and Alksnis sports and fitness centers, but are in desperate need of upgrades. We have had a significant increase in student athletes, growth in our exercise science majors and a need for health and wellness for faculty and staff. This project will drastically help our campus community in all of these areas."