Calling his years on the Hill the best time in his life, alumnus and real estate developer Leroy Merritt officially broke ground April 21 for the College’s new fitness center that will be named in his honor.

Several hundred McDaniel trustees, faculty and students watched and cheered as College president Joan Develin Coley and Board of Trustee chair James Melhorn took their turns with the College’s shovel to launch construction of the $4-million facility.

Wielding the official 84-year-old shovel at the groundbreaking for the Leroy Merritt Fitness Center at McDaniel College are Building and Grounds Committee Chair and Trustee Bruce Preston ’75; Jamie Smith and Carol Fritz, Director and Associate Director of Athletics; Board of Trustees Chair James Melhorn; McDaniel College President Joan Develin Coley; Alumnus Leroy Merritt ’52, Sports Hall of Fame representative Al Paul ’50; William Druckenmiller ’08 and Natasha Young ’06.</< P>

Students will be the ultimate beneficiaries of Merritt’s $2-million gift to build the center, which is expected to open in 2007. Not only will the equipment, food court and plaza provide additional areas for students to exercise and socialize, but the center will also extend the College’s learning opportunities.

Leroy Merritt Fitness Center (Select Image for a larger view)

“It is our mission to provide a robust living-learning community, a 24/7 educational experience that extends beyond the classroom,” Coley said. “There’s no question our students will gather around tables in the center’s snack area discussing yesterday’s soccer match, designing their senior research project, and debating world issues.”

Click here for more information on the new fitness center.