Georgetown College Receives $3 Million in Grants to Renovate Davis-Reid Alumni Gym
Submitted on September 5, 2024
Thanks to generous grants from the James A. and Martha R. Brown Foundation and the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, Georgetown College is pleased to announce plans to renovate the historic Davis-Reid Alumni Gym and update the campus fitness center. The Brown Foundation donated $2 million dollars and the Knowlton Foundation donated an additional $1 million.
Davis-Reid Alumni Gym is currently home to several of Georgetown College’s intercollegiate sports – including the Men’s NAIA 2024 Championship Volleyball team and the record-breaking 2,000-win Men’s NAIA basketball team, as well as women's NAIA basketball and volleyball. The adjacent fitness center is used by the entire campus community.
“This is a huge win for Georgetown College,” says President Rosemary Allen. “And to honor the Brown Foundation’s $2 million gift, I am excited to announce that the campus fitness center will be renamed the ‘James A. and Martha R. Brown Recreation Center’ in honor of the Foundation’s generosity.”
The current gym building was constructed in 1926 and was renovated in 1986. Over the years, Davis-Reid Alumni Gym has served as a chapel, classroom space, and even student housing. In January 2012, the facility was renamed to honor longtime basketball coaches Bob Davis and Jim Reid. Today, members of the campus community are excited to see this historic building modernized.
“With these funds we will be able to replace the current floor, bleachers, ceiling, lighting, bathrooms, and HVAC systems,” states Chris Oliver, Vice President for Athletics and Head Football Coach. “We are very excited to be able to provide an upgraded experience to not only our students, but also to our campus, alumni, and greater Georgetown community – especially as we approach the 100-year anniversary of the building.”
James and Martha Brown were long-time residents of Cynthiana, Kentucky. The James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation was established to make a positive difference for future generations. The foundation is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation was established to promote the ideals of higher education, support student success, and enable colleges and universities to create more rewarding and inspiring educational experiences. The foundation is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.
