St. Clair College is pleased to announce today the launch of its “two campus – one goal” capital fundraising campaign to build state-of-the-art recreation, fitness and gym facilities at both of its Windsor and Chatham campuses.

The two-campus campaign target is $23 million and, when complete, will provide HealthPlex facilities at both campuses that include fitness centres, gyms, running tracks, and classroom space for students, staff and the community.

The College announced that it has raised $11,570,000 towards its goal thanks to generous donations made by a number of groups. The student body at both campuses has pledged $10,000,000 to the campaign. Alumni Andrew Faas has donated $1 million through his Foundation and the College’s Alumni Association was pleased to make its first announcement of their $570,000 donation to the project. “We are pleased today to stand with our College, its students, alumni and friends who support this state-of-the-art health facility. It will dramatically elevate the quality of student life at St. Clair.” says Laura Rauch, President of the Alumni Association.

“Today’s students are looking for a wide range of amenities to round out their academic experience and recreation and fitness are high on their list of available facilities,” says College President, Dr. John Strasser. “In order to attract the best and brightest students to St. Clair College, we must compete on an equal playing field with other post secondary institutions in the country. The St. Clair College HealthPlex will be such a facility.”

The HealthPlex in Windsor will be a 75,000 sq. ft. facility with a 10,000 sq. ft. fitness centre, triple gym, classroom space, elevated running track and space for aerobics, pilates and yoga classes.

Chatham’s 45,000 sq. ft. HealthPlex will feature a double gym, a running track, a 5,000 sq. ft. fitness centre, space for aerobics, pilates and yoga classes and classroom space. With support from the community, various levels of government, business and industry the College anticipates opening both HealthPlexes in the Fall 2010.