Drexel University's Vidas Athletic Complex Receives $1 Million Challenge

PHILADELPHIA – A planned $3.5 million renovation of the Vidas Athletic Complex has received a major boost with a generous $1 million challenge from Drexel University Trustee Jim Bean '91 and his wife, Christine.

The project will transform the Complex's lower field, which is the training and competition ground for some of Drexel's winningest Division I teams – men's and women's lacrosse and men's and women's soccer. The renovations will give these deserving student-athletes a professional playing field, with a stadium-like look, that matches their skills, talents and ambitions.

"Jim maximized what he learned playing Drexel lacrosse to become hugely successful off the field," said John Fry, Drexel president. "Now, with his extraordinarily generous challenge gift, he is in position to rally countless other Drexel friends in creating a world-class sports facility where today's student-athletes can compete and grow as leaders."

The Beans' challenge creates a matching opportunity for gifts toward the Vidas improvement project. All gifts and commitments $25,000 and above will be matched dollar for dollar up to $1 million, enabling donors to double the impact of their gifts.

"Christine and I are proud to support the Vidas Complex improvement project and give back to Drexel during this transformative time for the University," said Jim. "There are many pillars that support a world class University, and athletics is a critical one. We are excited to welcome fellow Drexel alumni, parents and friends to join us in helping ensure Drexel athletics is a leading contributor to this amazing transformation."

Jim and Christine are both former Apple executives, now entrepreneurs and seed investors in early-stage technology and healthcare companies. As the former vice president of retail at Apple Inc., based in Cupertino, California, Jim led a global team and oversaw the operations of more than 450 stores in 17 countries. He graduated from Haverford High School where he played lacrosse. At Drexel, he played on the men's lacrosse team and was a member of the Alpha Pi Lambda fraternity. In 2010, he was named to the World Association for Cooperative Education Hall of Fame at the University.

"To have a former player support the project at this leadership level means a great deal to the teams, players and coaches who benefit from Jim and Christine's generosity,'' said Head Lacrosse Coach Brian Voelker. "The enhancements to the complex will attract high-caliber student-athletes to Drexel and elevate our programs for years to come."

Planned improvements to the lower field include:

New seating for 1,600 spectators,
A film tower on top of the seating structure,
A state-of-the-art video scoreboard,
A new plaza entrance with a permanent ticket office,
New concession and merchandise areas, team rooms, storage areas, an officials' locker room and restrooms.

"I am thankful for Jim and Christine's generosity and leadership to launch the Vidas Complex improvement project,'' said Director of Athletics Eric Zillmer. "This challenge will impact Dragons of today and tomorrow, and create a space needed to prepare leaders and build champions."

To learn more about the Vidas Complex renovation initiative click here or contact Kerry DiBlasio, Assistant VP of Development at knd39@drexel.edu or 215-571-3803.

Drexel University Athletics

Drexel University's Vidas Athletic Complex Receives $1 Million Challenge

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