Lamar’s newest addition to its outstanding campus facilities will open this fall – the $19 million, state-of-the-art recreational sports center. This 129,550-square-foot building, the latest jewel in the crown of the university’s ongoing campus renovation, will be named the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center in recognition of the largest gift in the university’s history.
Sheila, and her husband, Walter, presented a $5 million gift to the university in December 2005.
“A gift of this magnitude helps raise awareness of Lamar University,” said President James Simmons when the gift was announced. “We are so grateful and appreciative of Sheila and Walter Umphrey’s leadership in stepping forward to further Lamar’s growth through this unprecedented, transforming philanthropy.”
The gift was a bright spot at the end of one of the toughest years in the university’s history. A direct hit by Hurricane Rita Sept. 24 left the campus badly damaged, but, after weeks of intensive restoration work, the university showed resilience by reopening Oct. 19, enabling its December graduates to complete their degrees on time.
The storm also delayed construction on the recreational sports center, but opening is still projected during the 2006-2007 academic year.
The state-of-the-art facility encompasses the landmark McDonald Gym, with spectator seating for volleyball and basketball games. The renovated areas and new construction will include 13,000 square feet of cardiovascular and free-weight training; a one-tenth-mile walking/jogging track; a 40-foot climbing wall; basketball, volleyball and badminton courts; a wellness and fitness center; health food café and juice bar; lounge areas with pool tables; and air hockey, foosball, video games and TV.
“It is really going to be a wonderful facility, absolutely incredible,” Sheila Umphrey said after reviewing plans with Simmons. “I wish more people could see the changes to the campus and the wonderful new buildings that are there – the residence halls, the dining hall and, soon, the recreation sports center,” she said. “Jimmy and Susan Simmons have put so much into making Lamar bigger and better.”
Simmons said, “We expect this facility to become a real centerpiece of campus life.”
“Students make their home here,” said Barry Johnson, vice president for student affairs. “With jobs and studies taking so much of their time, campus often functions as a city within a city. First-class facilities like Cardinal Village, the new dining hall and now the recreational sports center help students make the most of that time. We are actively planning campus improvements so that for the time students call campus home, they can truly feel at home.”
“Private gifts can be transformational for a university,” Simmons said. “The generosity the Umphreys have shown enables us to continue to provide the quality education our students deserve and need to become globally minded graduates destined to lead in their chosen professions. It also helps make it possible for Lamar to make lasting contributions to the region and to the world through its many outstanding programs, research initiatives and graduates.”
Sheila Umphrey owns The Decorating Depot Inc., a residential and commercial interior design business in Port Neches, and is active in many local civic organizations.
Walter Umphrey is senior managing partner of Provost & Umphrey Law Firm. Born in Port Arthur, Walter received a football scholarship to Southern Methodist University, then completed undergraduate studies at Baylor University. In 1965, he received a law degree from Baylor Law School before returning to Southeast Texas to join the Jefferson County district attorney’s office as a prosecuting attorney and, ultimately, chief felony prosecutor.
The Umphreys are noted contributors to important causes, from protecting Texas wildlife to the creation of Southeast Texas’ newest cancer institute, the Walter Umphrey Cancer Center, in Port Arthur. Soon, the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center will contribute greatly to the region’s quality of life as well.
