An artist’s rendering of the outside of The Arch
A $3.5 million gift from alumnus Kwang Tan G’73, Ph.D., will help ensure 鶹ƵUniversity students have access to comprehensive health, wellness and recreation services and resources for generations to come. Tan’s gift will support significant renovations to Archbold Gymnasium, which includes the creation of the Barnes Center at The Arch, a new state-of-the-art, health, wellness and recreation complex.
The Arch, a significant project of the Campus Framework, seeks to enhance the student experience—inside and outside the classroom—as outlined in the vision of the Academic Strategic Plan. Tan was drawn to the project for its potential to positively impact the student experience in a holistic way, providing a place where students can enjoy social and recreational activities that improve physical and emotional health, part of a balanced campus experience.
“The campus is being re-energized by the concepts of the Academic Strategic Plan and the Campus Framework. This new center brings into focus a vision for an environment that complements both living and learning,” Tan says. “Students need to be engaged in both academics and their well-being. Health and recreational opportunities are essential to their experience. The Arch will provide them with the spaces, equipment and services that will support them holistically throughout their time at 鶹ƵUniversity.”
In honor of Tan’s donation to The Arch and his support of the student experience, the second floor will be dedicated in his name.
“We are very appreciative of Dr. Tan’s support of our students and the Arch renovations. His philanthropy and leadership giving will have a tremendous impact on students and their success at 鶹ƵUniversity,” says Matt Ter Molen, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “The new center will be a place of engagement, activity and fun for students, as well as a place to seek assistance in regards to students’ physical and mental well-being. Dr. Tan’s gift is a critical piece in establishing such a welcoming center where students can flourish.”
Tan, who earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the in 1973, has a deep commitment to 鶹Ƶand academic excellence. In 2013, he funded a scholarship for two students, with a preference for first- or second-generation Chinese students. The Tan Family Education Foundation Scholarship is funded by his family foundation.
Today’s announcement follows a generous gift from Board of Trustees Chairman Steven W. Barnes ’82 and his wife, Deborah. Their gift will be used to create the Barnes Center at The Arch, which will house all of the campus health and wellness services—including the Counseling Center, the Office of Health Promotion, Health Services, Recreation Services and the Office of Student Assistance—in one central location. Students can enjoy such features as a modern multi-floor fitness center, a world-class rock climbing wall and a multi-activity sports court. The center will also have fully accessible locker rooms and restrooms.
For those interested in being a part of history and helping to transform the University’s footprint, there are many giving opportunities. The University is seeking donations, including naming gifts, for all initiatives contained within the draft Campus Framework. To make a gift, contact Matt Ter Molen, senior vice president and chief advancement officer, via email at termolen@syr.edu or by phone at 315.443.9161.
To learn more about the draft Campus Framework and to provide real-time feedback, visit .
