One of Central College athletics’ longest standing partners has given another major gift to the Forever Dutch initiative to renovate and expand P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.

The Central Club, among the nation’s oldest small-college booster organizations, has committed $150,000 to the next phase of the project. The gift is designated for new custom flooring and equipment for the Ron Schipper Fitness Center. The surface will be more forgiving, eliminating the raised four-inch platforms that engulf a large section of the facility. The 7,200-square foot facility opened in 1999, named in honor of College Football Hall of Fame Coach Ron Schipper, who guided the Dutch from 1961-96. Since its organization in 1959, the Central Club has provided Dutch student-athletes with equipment and support that the college would not otherwise be able to obtain. More than 600 members annually support the Dutch, providing assistance for athletes in all 20 of Central’s varsity sports.

The $18-million Forever Dutch initiative launched with a $12-million building expansion in 2017. The second $3-million phase to the lower level, which includes a new women’s varsity locker room and a transformed athletic training room, is nearing completion and the college hopes to quickly transition to a $3-million third phase of the building’s upper level later this year. It will feature additional team meeting space, a new welcome center, recruitment space, offices and an updated visitor’s locker room, along with the fitness center upgrade.

Forever Dutch contributions can be made via forever.central.edu.