Fesmires Pledge $3.1 Million to  Athletic Convocation Center

Union received its largest gift from Benny and Norma Fesmire of Jackson. Thanks to their commitment of $3.1 million, the national championship Lady Bulldogs are one step closer to moving into a new athletic/convocation center.

The majority of the record-setting gift will benefit the construction of a new athletic/convocation center for Union’s athletic department, which is expected to cost about $9 million. The center will provide a larger gymnasium and home court for the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs and will provide a seating capacity of about 4,000. Fred DeLay Gymnasium, the current home of Union’s basketball programs, seats about 2,200. The center also will accommodate other major events for the campus and the community, such as concerts and major speakers.

"This is the largest single gift commitment in the history of Union University and probably among all West Tennessee institutions. Its value is enormous in helping us move forward to build a championship-caliber facility to accommodate our national championship athletic program," Union President David S. Dockery asserted.

The Fesmires are longtime supporters of Union athletics and are Jackson natives. Benny Fesmire is president of B & H Investments, a local company. He is a former trustee, and their son, Ben Fesmire Jr., currently is a member of Union’s Board of Trustees.

"When I think of the Fesmire family, I think of family and loving friends. I am very grateful for our families’ relationship. I’m also grateful for the years that have allowed us to work together in Union’s growth and our common commitment to the pursuit of excellence at Union University," Athletic Director and Lady Bulldogs Coach David Blackstock said.

According to the Fesmires, their $3.1 million gift was led by God, given in belief and support of Blackstock, and meant to support young people and education and show their commitment to the university and its administration.

A $100,000 portion of the Fesmire gift will benefit the construction of new baseball and softball fields, to be completed this year as part of the university’s Campus Master Plan. Other athletic components of the plan include a new field for varsity soccer, a new tennis complex and intramural fields for baseball, softball and soccer.

"Benny and Norma Fesmire are two of the best friends Union University has ever had. Their investment in this athletic/convocation center is a strategic moment in building for the future of Union University," Dockery said.

Ayers Provides $2 Million for Classrooms, Scholarships

West Tennessee business leader, James Ayers, chairman of the board at First Bank, recently presented Union with a gift of $2 million. Ayers’ gift is the second largest in the university’s history. Ayers is also chairman of the board at American Health Centers.

Ayers serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.

"We thank God for this marvelous provision. This confirmation of support from Ayers reflects an interest in Union University by friends across the region," Dockery said. "With support such as this, the university can begin to take steps toward accomplishing the vision of being the premier Christian university in the Southeast."

About $200,000 will be designated for student scholarships with the remaining $1.8 million designated for construction of the first new academic building as proposed by the Campus Master Plan.

Gift of $1.65 Million Aids Campus Projects, Scholarships

An anonymous Jackson business leader gave $1.65 million, the university’s third largest, to establish a support organization to benefit Union.

The donor is a long-time supporter of Union and a former trustee of the university.

Proceeds from the endowment will be used to support special projects and scholarships at Union. The donor stated a desire for the gift to advance Christian higher education at Union and to help students receive the advantages of a Christian education.

A bell tower, which will anchor a great lawn spanning an area of planned new campus development, will be among the first projects funded by the endowment.

"This generous gift is a wonderful expression of commitment to the future of Union University," said Dockery. "Through the investment, the donor will make an impact on successive generations of outstanding young people who attend Union University."