DETROIT (9/12/2016) -- The University of Detroit Mercy Department of Athletics showed their appreciation to former Titan and Horizon League standout
Eli Holman '13 before he departs from the states to go play professionally in China.
Holman was one of the major donors behind the new academic center and the new study hall named in his honor.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to give back," said Holman. "This is something that our student-athletes need. A degree is something that can never be taken away from you."
"We wanted to show our appreciation and thanks to Eli in person before he heads back overseas," said Director of Athletics
Robert C. Vowels, Jr. "He gave his word that he would give back to the University and his gift will help all Titan student-athletes accomplish even more in the classroom."
On hand for the event was
University President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Director of Athletics
Robert C. Vowels, Jr., Titan athletic staff, coaches, student-athletes and members of Holman's family.
"I want to thank Eli for his generous gift," said President Garibaldi. "He represents a lot of what this University is about. He is just a great model and a reflection of the kind of individuals that we want to grow around here."
The new Thomas and Arvie McNamara Family Student-Athlete Academic Center is located in Calihan Hall and will feature the Eli Holman Study Hall, personal studying areas, and multi-media equipment while also housing the Titan academic and compliance staff.
With a cost of over $300,000, Holman provided the final gift for the project, which is the latest facility enhancement to Titan Athletics.
In the last four years, Detroit Mercy has a new sound system and a four-sided, high-definition main videoboard with full LED video capabilities to Dick Vitale Court, men's soccer and softball locker rooms have been renovated and men's and women's tennis locker rooms at the Franklin Athletic Club have also been completed.
"Things are changing for the better," said Vowels. "Sponsorships and donations are up and with that, we are able to provide more for our student-athletes. There are a lot of other projects that we have on the table and as long as we continue to trend in this direction, we should be able to provide more for the student-athletes."
The facility is set to be fully completed and operational in October and a formal dedication of the academic center will be held during the 2016-17 athletic season.
