Gersten Pavilion Launches Major Renovation to Support LMU Student-Athlete Success

The highly anticipated renovation of Gersten Pavilion was formally launched in a ceremonial groundbreaking on April 29, 2024, hosted by President Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., Athletic Director Craig Pintens, and other campus leaders and supporters.

The product of a long-term vision for LMU Athletics, the renovation will bolster the success of the university's student-athletes by providing much-needed upgrades such as resource labs, spaces for studying and tutoring, and offices for advisors and administrators, including expanded basketball office suites, film rooms, and training tables. In addition, a prominent interior spirit mark display at the mezzanine level will enhance LMU's visual brand presence and boost school spirit during televised games.

The primary focus of the renovation will be an expanded Academic Success Center. LMU's cornerstone philosophy of educating the whole person means that academic success is just as important for student-athletes as winning games. The university currently boasts a 95 percent graduation rate among its student-athletes, which ranks among the highest in the nation. However, to continue attracting and supporting top athletes who can carry LMU to national prominence, the university must provide competitive, first-class academic resources. LMU coaches have long pointed out the challenges of the existing facilities, which lack the necessary space to effectively serve the meeting, advising, tutoring, and mentoring needs of more than 300 student-athletes who call LMU home.

"Learning is so much more valuable when it's personalized, when there is one-on-one interaction," said John Mayer, head coach for LMU's nationally ranked women's beach volleyball team. "That's why the renovation of Gersten Pavilion is so essential: to provide ample spaces for students to receive tutoring, to study with their classmates, to meet with their advisors. With the addition of larger group spaces, the various athletic teams will also be able to mingle with one another more, which will only strengthen our sense of community."

The renovation will nearly triple the available space for group and individual study, collaborative learning, one-on-one and small-group tutoring, and new state-of-the-art educational tools. The new 4,000-square-foot Academic Success Center will also offer a more ambitious slate of programming, including expanded mental health programs targeting the unique needs of student-athletes and new leadership programs that build character, teach motivation, foster collaboration, and prepare participants for life after athletics. By bringing the management of student-athletes' training and academic needs under one roof, LMU reinforces its commitment to caring for their bodies, minds, and spirits.

LMU Athletics has a proud tradition of strong donor support, and most of Gersten's renovation costs have already been funded by generous gifts. Among the supporters are Tim '82 and Michelle '84 Dean, two devoted fans of LMU basketball who, in addition to being longtime courtside seat holders, are lead donors for the renovation. Michelle also serves on the LMU Board of Trustees.

"We are proud to support the Gersten Pavilion renovation project, especially the improved Academic Success Center for all athletes, which will ensure that LMU can compete at the top level by having excellent facilities to complement its outstanding educational opportunities," said the Deans. "Attending LMU basketball games is something we have done since we were students. We believe that a strong athletic program is a perfect path to connection with the university for students, alumni, and the greater L.A. community."

Gersten Pavilion has been the beloved site of many storied events over the years. Built to accommodate the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, it served as the host site for the weightlifting competition, which attracted the largest number of weightlifting competitors in the history of the Olympics. The highest-scoring basketball game in NCAA Division I history occurred at Gersten Pavilion, when LMU defeated U.S. International 181 to 150 on Jan. 31, 1989. In 1991, the pavilion was the venue for the men's and women's volleyball and boxing preliminaries at the U.S. Olympic Festival. It has been host to top basketball camps in the country and has served as one of the official practice homes of the L.A. Lakers, L.A. Clippers, and L.A. Sparks.

"The Gersten Pavilion west wing renovation project is the first step in a comprehensive facilities enhancement plan by SRG Partnership, LMU's architectural partner, that will continue to ensure we provide the best possible student-athlete experience," said Pintens. "We are grateful to all of our donors who make this project possible, and we look forward to investing in distinctive, high-quality facilities in our quest to be the best Division I-AAA athletic department in the country."

If you'd like to help build the future of LMU Athletics, you can make a gift here or contactJames Batley, senior director of development, at [email protected] or 310.338.7880.

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