Johnson, Vermont— Northern Vermont University-Johnson announces the successful completion of its Wellness Suite Campaign, raising $45,000 to equip the new Wellness Suite located in the SHAPE athletics facility on the Johnson campus.
"On behalf of Northern Vermont University-Johnson Athletics, I want to thank each and every person who supported this campaign," said Associate Dean of Athletics and Recreation Jamey Ventura. "Their gifts have allowed our institution to expand its positive impact across our community."
The Wellness Suite project created two new rooms in the fitness facility: one dedicated to stretching and core work and the other to group exercise classes. It also converted the ground-level area from an underutilized racquetball court into a strength and conditioning facility. "With these improvements, we have been able to expand our programming for all students and community members, enhancing fitness opportunities and promoting a healthy lifestyle," said Ventura.
The campaign, which publicly launched in November 2020, garnered donations from 109 donors from 17 states and was powered by gifts of all sizes from alumni, student-athletes, staff, community members, grant funding from the Green Mountain Fund, and a generous donation of equipment from Concept2. The board of directors of the university's Athletics Hall of Fame offered a generous matching gift which contributed an additional $7,500 to the campaign. Many alumni also tapped into their networks to fundraise, which was instrumental in helping to meet the goal. In the final days of the campaign, the NVU-Johnson Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) reached out to the athletics department to offer a generous donation to complete the campaign.
"In the past few years, SAAC has been very successful in fundraising through concessions and hosting our monthly Kids Night Out community events," said Annika Dyhrberg, SAAC President. "When we heard that all that was left to raise was $1,000, we were eager to finish out the campaign. I think I can speak for all of our student-athletes when I say that we are so incredibly thankful and excited for this space."
The fundraising effort also received a boost from the decision to name the Student-Athlete Strength and Conditioning Room after alumnus and former soccer coach Peter Albright. Coach Albright has enjoyed a long career helping to shape the lives and guide the careers of players. Albright graduated from Johnson State College and began his coaching career at the college as the Head Men's Soccer Coach and Director of Athletics. After 15 seasons, nine Conference Championships, and two National Tournament appearances, he left Vermont to become the first women's soccer coach at the University of Richmond.
"NVU is so pleased to honor his legacy by naming the strength and conditioning room in the new Wellness Suite after Coach Peter Albright," says Ventura.
"This campaign demonstrated that, with the support of alumni and friends, no goal or aspiration is out of reach for Northern Vermont University. Working together, we can — and will — continue to improve the student experience at NVU," said Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Chad Copeland.
For more information on athletics at Northern Vermont University-Johnson, visit NVUBadgers.com.
Northern Vermont University is a two-campus institution of higher education that combines the best of our campuses' nationally recognized liberal arts and professional programs. At Northern Vermont University, our goal is to guide curious, motivated, and engaged students on their paths to success and their places in the world. NVU Online offers flexible, affordable, high-quality options for learners pursuing their bachelor's and master's degrees as well as certificates. NVU offers a full range of associates, bachelor's, and master's degrees as well as credit and non-credit certificates and professional development courses. Learn more at NorthernVermont.edu.