Gifts for the Cage Center

Funding for the Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center drew enticingly close to completion in 2009-10, as total gifts and commitments exceeded the $30 million mark. At the end of the fiscal year, only $2.31 remained to complete the $32.5 million project.

The Cage Center has exceeded all expectations in becoming "the center of it all" for Berry students. The facility has made Berry's move to NCAA Division III possible, is key to the college's "A New Year, A New You" health and wellness initiative, and has fostered the exercise science major – now one of Berry's top 10. It also serves as a venue of sufficient size to host the likes of renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and Gloria Shatto lecturer Dr. Ben Carson and Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager whose life provided inspiration for the acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda.

The 2010 opening of Kilpatrick Commons provided an exceptional addition to the Cage Center surroundings. First envisioned as part of Berry's $100 million Century Campaign, this new plaza provides a natural connection between Krannert Center and the Cage that includes a rock waterfall and a pedestrian bridge. The commons is named for donors Hal (60c) and Suzi Golden (60c) Kilpatrick.