In a gathering of coaches and student-athletes, McPherson College recently announced the first-ever seven-figure gift made to Bulldog Athletics. The commitment made by Craig and Karen Holman of McPherson, which totals more than $1 million, will support the Sport Center expansion project included in the Building Community comprehensive fundraising campaign.
“It is exciting to have the Holmans step up to make this historic commitment at a time when we are competing to win in every sport,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “I am proud to share that we will add the Holman name to the Sport Center at an event this fall during Homecoming.”
Craig along with both of the couple’s children are McPherson College graduates. While at McPherson College, Craig was an outstanding tennis player. He won conference singles and was District 10 singles championships three times, and was selected for the all-conference team all four years. He serves the McPherson community as a financial advisor owning an Ameriprise Financial practice. Craig is a member of the McPherson College Board of Trustees and serves as a volunteer assistant coach for the Bulldog tennis teams. Karen has served the community as a registered nurse and helped instruct those seeking to become licensed practical nurses. She is a volunteer at Lincoln Elementary and plays the violin.
“My years as a Bulldog athlete were a meaningful chapter in my life, and Bulldog Athletics have continued to enrich our lives ever since,” Craig Holman, said. “Karen and I want to help ensure that today’s Bulldog athletes, coaches, and staff have first-rate facilities and programs, focused on continued competitive excellence while developing lifetime relationships. We are hopeful that our gift will encourage other Bulldogs out there to share in the enthusiasm and affection we have for McPherson College student-athletes.”
The Holman family has been loyal supporters of McPherson area tennis, particularly the Bulldog tennis program funding the Holman Family Tennis Courts on campus.
The Sport Center project will include the addition of 5,000 sq. ft. of new space to expand the weight room and training room capacity as well as additional locker rooms and team spaces. It will also include a remodeling project for current spaces to better meet the needs of student-athletes. Construction will begin this summer.
“We are looking forward to inviting alumni and friends to an open house at Homecoming to see the plans for the project and show our progress,” Chandler Short, director of athletics, said. “Homecoming will be a great time for us to celebrate the Holman family and Bulldog Athletics.”