Trustees approve stadium‑club gift and multiple construction awards including infusion center and air‑handling replacements

The Architectural Design Committee approved a package of donor‑funded and capital projects during the Dec. 4 meeting.

Donor gift and naming: Athletic Director Leonard presented a gift of approximately $1,000,000 from Jamie and Netta Hayes to remodel the stadium club and asked to name the space the Jim Hayes Stadium Club in recognition of the donor’s family. Leonard described the project as a remodel of an existing space, with roughly $250,000 in hand and planned pledges over coming years; the committee approved the project and naming.

Simmons Cancer Institute infusion center: The committee approved awarding a construction contract to CAD Construction of Tremont, Illinois, for interior renovations on the third floor of the Simmons Cancer Institute to build and equip a new infusion treatment center. The presenter reported a construction contract value of $917,600, architecture and engineering fees of approximately $132,000 under existing professional agreements, and estimated furniture and equipment purchases of about $250,000 under existing contracts. Funding will come from School of Medicine reserves.

Residence‑hall air handling units: The board approved contracts to replace air handling units in Bluff Hall and other residence halls as part of a multi‑phase project that began with a board approval in December 2023. Phase 1 was completed in 2024; the current phase has an estimated cost of approximately $1,300,000 to be funded by replacement reserves and scheduled for summer work to reduce student disruption.

Each item was moved, seconded and approved by roll call during the committee session and included in the omnibus motion during the full board meeting.