As the sun begins to shine and birds start chirping on the Millikin University campus this spring, the construction progress of the $12.3 million David J. and Debra C. Rathje Athletic Center continues to make significant leaps forward.
The future centerpiece of Big Blue Athletics on campus now has a roof, and the brickwork exterior is nearing completion for the new 17,655-square-foot facility. Work will continue for several more months as the expected completion date of summer 2025 approaches.
Over winter break, the structure was covered with an exterior air barrier, allowing work to begin on the interior of the Rathje Center, located south of Frank M. Lindsay Field and west of the Griswold Physical Education Center.
Work now continues on the facility's interior structure, including hanging drywall, as well as installing the building’s electrical and HVAC systems. Designs for the interior furnishings, including furniture, flooring/carpeting, and wall graphics, are also being finalized.
The project is the latest transformation on Millikin’s campus, following projects like the Workman Family Baseball Field and the Center for Theatre & Dance. The project was funded by generous lead gifts from David ’58 and Debra Rathje, Jim Perryman ’83, and the Perryman family.
The building floor plan includes:
• A weight room named in honor of former Big Blue Football Coach Carl Poelker ’68 and Jim Perryman ’83, a former NFL player.
• Locker rooms to accommodate football, as well as men's and women's track and field.
• A training room, conference room, and a team meeting room for multi-purpose use.
• Football Hall of Fame, retired jersey, and team recognition area.
• Offices for Football, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Coaches, and the Athletic Director.
The facility will also alleviate congestion in the Griswold Center and provide support to Big Blue student-athletes participating in Millikin Athletics’ 22 different sports. In total, nearly 40% of Millikin’s students are current student-athletes or have participated in the past.
The project will also allow Millikin to host CCIW and NCAA championship competitions in the future.
To learn more about the Rathje Athletic Center or to make a gift in support of this project, visit millikin.edu/athletic-center.
