Built in 1969, the Hogan Center provides space for intercollegiate, intramural and recreational athletics. It houses the Art Smith Arena, McClure Natatorium, Cappaert Gymnasium, the Baker-Jones Educational Unit, the Patterson Memorial Weight Room, two racquetball courts, classrooms and coaches’ offices.
The Hogan Center, used by and open to all students, underwent a $10.2-million renovation in 2009-10 that included the construction of the Art Smith Arena, which seats 2,430, with additional floor seating for 600 available for non-athletics events. The arena is the College’s primary venue for commencement, convocations, major events and athletics. The Hogan Center also is Alma College’s first LEED-certified building, the nationally recognized mark of sustainable construction.
The basketball court in Smith Arena is named The Charlie and Marion McIntyre Court in appreciation of a gift from the C.S. and Marion F. McIntyre Foundation.
The 29,000-square-foot Art Smith Arena is home to the varsity men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and men’s wrestling teams. It was named in honor of Art Smith, a 1938 Alma College graduate who left a lifetime legacy as a teacher and coach.
The Hogan Center was named in 1999 to honor Romain and Helen Kempf Hogan, Alma alumni from the class of 1928, through a generous gift from their son, James Hogan.
The Baker-Jones Educational Unit was named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Baker, Louanna Baker Jones and Harold H. Baker, whose contributions to construction of the building were made in memory of their parents.
McClure Natatorium, home to the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams, features a six-lane, 25-yard pool with competitor lane lines. It was named in memory of Harold M. McClure Sr., pioneer Michigan oilman and civic leader in Alma. Mr. McClure served as mayor of Alma from 1948 to 1949. The facility has seating for 400 spectators.
Cappaert Gymnasium, the site of commencement and major athletic events from 1970 through 2010, was named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Cappaert who contributed to the construction. Mr. Cappaert was a varsity athlete at Alma and later served on the Board of Trustees.
For more information, visit the Athletic Facilities page.
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