The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1947-02-13
OPEN COLLEGE GYM
DRIVE TUESDAY At
SOLICITORS DINNER
Community Contributions For
New 250,0OO Structure
Sought In Campaign
Funds For Gymnasium-Auditor
ium To Be Raised I'm Can
vass OF Homes

Bluffton colleges value IS an
educational force In the community
was stressed Tuesday night in Ropp
hall at dinner for solicitors, mark
ing opening Of an intensive two
weeks drive to raise local contribu-
tions for the colleges proposed new
$780, 900 gymnasium-auditorium.
What the college offers in main
tanning a higher community cultural
level, and the educational opportuni-
ties available for youths of the area
were pointed out, as nearly $50
| solicitors received final instructions
for their part in a house-to-house
campaign that will end on February
rs.
Nearly half of the schools record
enrolment of 295 students come
from the local area, and year in and
year out the location of the college
here makes it possible for many to
get higher education who otherwise
would not have the opportunity, it
was pointed out. There are 127.
registered from this community this
year, college records show.
Serves Three Functions
Bluffton colleges proposed $780,
900 gymnasium-auditorium viii serve
three major purposes on the campus,
With its largest enrolment in
history, and operating free of debts,
the college has planned the
i gymnasium auditorium as the first
step in expansion program required
to keep pace with the growth Of the
institution.
Three major functions served by
the building will be its adaptability
for physical education as an audit
4 orium and a location for student
recreation.
| One of the finest gymnasiums in
| Northwestern Ohio, the new Bluffton
building viii seat 1900 persons for
sports contests, making it an ideal
ftocation FOR basketball tournaments,
etc, in addition to serving for col
lege sports needs.
Auditorium Use
Used as an auditorium there viii
be seating space for 1900, answering
a need for performances such as the
annual college Messiah concert,
commencement programs.
The larger auditorium also would
permit bringing scholastic musical
contests to Bluffton; and give ade-
quate space for union church and
community gatherings, denominations
al conferences. etc.
Separate quarters also are provid~
ed in the building for student
union, embracing large recreation
room, a lunch room and kitchen.
In addition, an expanded campus
recreation program will be made
possible by new physical education
facilities of the gymnasium.
In addition to the three major
needs, several minor purposes also
will be served by the new building.
| Other Purposes
| Offices are provided for men and
women physical education directors;
there will be a therapeutic room to
care for minor physical ailments;
practice rooms are incorporated for
musical students; and display cases
for the exhibition of the colleges
extensive collection of fine arts
objects.
An adult need of growing import
ance Il that in the hobby field, and
hobby room is provided for student
development in those pursuits.
Design of the new building is
such as to satisfy these many needs
with in minimum space and at
minimum cost. Erection of the
building viii mean much to the
standing of the college, and to the
| effectiveness of the educational pro
gram offered to students.