JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Hundreds of alumni, students, faculty and community members attended the University of Jamestown’s dedication ceremony of the brand new Harold Newman Arena.
The $14 million, 61,000 square-foot arena was celebrated during the University’s first ever All School Celebration. University of Jamestown Athletics Director Sean Johnson opened up the ceremony with a few words.
University of Jamestown President Robert Badal was very grateful for all those that made it out to the dedication, which he says is the largest project ever on the University in its history.
Coaches Greg Ulland, Danny Neville, and Jon Hagerle made remarks as did students Sam Johnson and Bryn Woodside. All of them echoed the possibilities that the arena brought forth for them and the University.
Executive Vice President Polly Peterson was emotional hearing the stories shared by the students and coaches and what the facility meant to them.
A special moment followed when all of Harold Newman’s daughter’s and son took the stage to thank everyone for their support and their father’s historic donation to the University. Kari Ness says she was honored to have been a part of the process to bring the Harold Newman Arena to fruition.
Russell Newman was emotional while he recollected on his dad’s love of the University of Jamestown and their athletics over the years.
The Jamestown Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting following the dedication. View the full dedication in the video below. More photos will be posted when they become available.