Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Nota Bene: Relocation of The Alpine Tower

Virginia Wesleyan’s athletic complex has a dramatic new centerpiece. The Alpine Tower—a 52-foot wooden structure designed for climbing and teambuilding exercises—has a new home on campus adjacent to the Trinder Center and the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center.

The tower was relocated last weekend from its original spot just to the west of the University’s main entrance. The move comes just weeks before our planned December 1 groundbreaking for the new Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, which will be constructed on the neighboring field. The structure was carefully transported on Saturday by Alpine Tower International, the company that originally produced and installed the tower.

The Alpine Tower arrived on our campus in 2011 as a result of our partnership with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. The YMCA funded the structure in exchange for use of the land and utilizes it primarily in the summer for camps and youth activities. The tower is also used for VWU classes, recreation activities and teambuilding programs during the academic year and is available for use by outside groups as well.

The decision to relocate the Alpine Tower was made by YMCA President/CEO Billy George and me. It was a logical choice to move the tower to our athletic complex, as it offers a tremendous variety of physical challenge courses and team-oriented experiences. We are grateful for the generosity and support of Billy George and the YMCA. Our organizations share a unique bond that enables us to enrich the services we provide to Virginia Wesleyan and the greater community.

Special thanks, also, to Hourigan Construction for facilitating the tower move, especially to Chris Brandt, Executive Vice President; Clark Lambert, Senior Project Manager; and Eric Harrison, Superintendent.