VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 12, to celebrate the start of construction on its new athletic facility.

The Tharaldson Family Athletic Center will be located just south of the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse and will feature a spacious indoor turfed practice area, a modern weight room, a fully equipped training room and new locker room facilities. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. and all members of the campus and the community are invited to attend.

The project is headlined by a $5 million lead gift from the Gary Tharaldson Family and is being funded entirely by private contributions through VCSU’s Forward Together Capital Campaign.

“June 12 will be an exciting day for VCSU, Viking athletics and the community,” said Cory Anderson, Executive Director for the VCSU Foundation. “Groundbreaking events aren’t just about dirt and shovels—they’re about belief. Belief in what this facility can do for the future of our student-athletes and for generations of Vikings to come. It stands as a tribute to everyone who invested in the future of VCSU and making this dream a reality.”

Weather permitting, the groundbreaking ceremony will be held outdoors at the future site of the new facility. Following a brief program, attendees will have the opportunity to walk a full-size outline of the building’s floor plan and view architectural renderings of the new spaces.

“These are transformative times at VCSU, and the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center is another bold step forward for our university,” said Alan LaFave, President of VCSU. “We are deeply grateful to the Tharaldson Family and all our donors who have supported this initiative.”

Dennis McCulloch, VCSU athletic director, says the new facility is a game-changer for the athletics program.

“This will enhance our year-round training opportunities, improve the student-athlete experience and help us remain competitive in recruiting and developing top talent,” said McCulloch. “We’re excited for what this means for the future of Viking Athletics.”

To learn more about VCSU’s Capital Campaign and the new athletic facility, visit the campaign website. 

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