University of Tennessee Athletics
Groundbreaking Ceremonies Held For McKenzie Athletics Center
January 29, 2003 | Football
Jan. 29, 2003
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| The McKenzie Center will be the athletic department's new "front door" when completed in 2004. |
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held this afternoon honoring donors Toby McKenzie and Brenda McKenzie on the site of the new athletics center which will bear their name.
The Toby and Brenda McKenzie Athletics Center project, extending from the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center southward, will provide a new primary entrance to the UT athletics program and an expansion of the Robert E. White Practice Field from 70 to 100 yards.
"Today we break ground on a new front entry for our athletic program that will stand in tribute to the generosity of Toby McKenzie and Brenda McKenzie," Athletics Director Doug Dickey said in his remarks before the groundbreaking. "It was their commitment in the spring of 2000 that gave us the confidence to take a huge step forward, and start a capital campaign to raise $44.25 million to address facility needs that directly affect all of our sports.
"Six months later we gave this campaign a name, STEP UP- The Campaign for Athletic Facilities. I am proud to report that, thanks to their leadership and example, we stand here today having secured nearly $21 million in private commitments from 135 donors who have Stepped Up and joined you in support of this broad effort. We will match these raised funds with earned dollars from all fans who have bought tickets to bring our total to more than $40 million for new facilities."
UT president Dr. John W. Shumaker introduced Toby McKenzie and Brenda McKenzie and paid tribute to their commitment to the University.
"There is no question that one of our greatest resources are the people who support the University and dare to make it great," Dr. Shumaker said. "You are two of our most outstanding examples of unconditional support of the University. Your support of higher education has spanned two of our campuses, with this building joining The McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga as testament to your involvement.
| "There is no question that one of our greatest resources are the people who support the University and dare to make it great. You are two of our most outstanding examples of unconditional support of the University." |
| Dr. John Shumaker UT President on Toby & Brenda McKenzie |
"However, I think it is important to note that the commitment you have made not only benefits our great athletics program, but will also create endowments to benefit our efforts to recruit top faculty, provide assistance for students through the Lilly Frank Fitzgerald Scholarship program, and help promote our causes through the UT Alliance of Women Philanthropists."
"We had worked with [former vice-president] Charles Brakebill and [former UT president] Joe Johnson on several UT projects," Toby McKenzie said. "They brought the idea to us. Both of them are good salesmen. We're die-hard UT fans and we're proud to have our name on this building. Coach Dickey has worked with us and has been in touch with us continuously over the last several months. Coach Fulmer says it will have a big impact not only on the football program, but on other athletic programs as well."
"This was a great vision that Doug Dickey and the Athletic Department officials had for the university," Brenda McKenzie, a member of the STEP Up Executive Committee, said. "There have been a lot of people who have helped make the entire STEP UP program possible. I believe it is our responsibility to help other people achieve their life goals. One important way is through education. While we did not graduate from UT, we fell in love with the Vols. Our love for education and the UT system prompted a lot of what do."
Head football coach Phillip Fulmer praised the McKenzies' gift and commitment to the university.
"I am grateful for Toby and Brenda making this commitment to excellence in our athletics program," Fulmer said. "Our entire sports program will benefit from their gift and will continue to grow and prosper."
The entry floor of the building will include the Douglas A. Dickey Hall of Champions, honoring the many teams and individuals who have helped form Tennessee's intercollegiate athletics history. The Hall will also feature special tribute area to legendary broadcasters Lindsey Nelson and John Ward, both UT alums, as well as space for receptions and other functions.
The second and third levels will house development and marketing operations, while athletic administration will lead the Department from the top floor.
Women's AD Joan Cronan concluded the ceremonies by talking about the fulfillment of Toby and Brenda's dreams today. "Over the next 18 months the Toby and Brenda McKenzie Athletics Center will rise on this site, inspiring all of us to greater heights of accomplishment," Cronan said. "I want to thank all of our donors who have joined with us to help make this facility and the others resulting from the STEP UP campaign reality for our student-athletes. But for today, let me close by thanking Toby and Brenda for sharing your dreams with us, for inspiring us to dare to greatness and setting a wonderful example for support of the University of Tennessee for others to follow."
Construction on the building is expected to be completed by Fall 2004. The facility is estimated to cost $12 million. The General Contractor is Rouse Construction of Knoxville. Architects are McCarty Holsaple McCarty and Cope and Associates, both of Knoxville.
