Recreation Facility at Georgia Southern named for former University President and First Lady

May 7, 2015

Georgia Southern University’s state-of-the-art Recreation Activity Center (RAC) will be named after former University president and first lady, Bruce and Kathryn Grube.

Dr. Grube was Georgia Southern University’s 11th president and served from 1999 to 2009. During his tenure, the University became a Carnegie Doctoral/Research university, experienced record-breaking enrollment and significant improvement in academic quality, as well as unprecedented growth in facilities and other resources. President Grube worked to build strong relationships with local, state and national leaders bringing collaboration and progress to the University and the surrounding communities. Kathryn Grube devoted herself to Georgia Southern and the community, contributing countless hours of volunteer work for the University and Statesboro.

The RAC is a cutting-edge recreation center and icon of campus life for many Georgia Southern students. Originally opened in 1998, the facility was expanded in 2006 to its present size of 215,000 square feet. With more than 5,500 visitors each day, the Center offers fitness equipment, intramural sports, wellness services and meeting spaces.

The naming of the Bruce and Kathryn Grube Recreation Activity Center, approved by University System of Georgia Board of Regents, follows the landmark $1 million gift from the former University president and first lady. This gift will be earmarked for three critical areas: leadership scholarships, Honors program scholarships and recreation programming for students.

“Scholarships, recreation and wellness are significant elements of a successful educational experience at Georgia Southern,” said Dr. Grube. “Kathryn and I understand these student needs from our years of serving the University. We are grateful that we are able to leave a legacy to Georgia Southern University students. We certainly owe much to the many students who touched our lives over the years.”

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125-degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education.