Media Release - For Immediate Release

August 10 2010

Groundbreaking for Homburg Centre for Health and Wellness set

Dr. Richard Homburg

With a roar of an engine and the crash of a backhoe bucket against pavement, construction of the new $ 8 million Homburg Centre for Health and Wellness will get underway Aug. 19 at 11 a.m.

Designed as a multipurpose academic and athletic complex to inspire students, faculty, staff and the community to work toward healthier lifestyles, the Centre will feature wellness program space, studios, seminar rooms and community fitness/studio space.

It will also be the new home for the Centre for the Study of Sport and Health, a facility destined to attract international researchers interested in extending the University’s growing research competence in the area of sport and health.

The Homburg Centre for Health and Wellness will consist of a 20,250 square foot addition and 3,340 square foot renovation to University’s existing Tower athletic facility. The entire facility will be rebranded as the Homburg Centre for Health and Wellness.

“"It will be a showcase building for the university," says University President Dr. J. Colin Dodds."It's more than just a fitness centre; it's about holistic health and wellness. It puts us on the cutting edge of this research in Eastern Canada.”

It also acknowledges the leading role Saint Mary's University has taken in the study and execution of social health and medicine, and sport. A balanced and healthy lifestyle is a principal societal concern and the Homburg Centre will ensure that programs and facilities are in place to address the needs of our entire community, he said.

The Centre was the vision of Dr. Homburg, Chairman and CEO of Homburg Invest Inc., a real estate investment and development company with holdings and management offices in North America and Europe. Dr. Homburg believes healthier Nova Scotians are key to a more productive and economically prosperous future.

The cost of the facility is $8 million. Dr. Richard Homburg has committed $5 million for the project. BMO Financial Group, Manulife Financial and McInnes Cooper have also made leadership donations. The remainder has been raised by alumni and friends through donations to the University’s capital campaign.

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For More Information:

Steve Proctor
External Affairs
Saint Mary's University
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca

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