Neumann University is currently in the process of attempting to raise $15 million within the next two years to invest in building the Ed Snider Ice Arena.
This past October, it was announced that Neumann would be partnering with the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education organization to build an ice hockey arena. As part of this project, they have offered to contribute $15 million of the $35 million it will cost to build the ice arena. In order for the project to be completed, Neumann must raise the other half of the total cost before October 2025 to obtain the SNIDER grant.
While this is an extremely generous gift, it still raises quite the challenge for Neumann. The university must raise the same amount before 2026, which is when the arena is set to be built by.
Although this is a major investment, Neumann claims that the ability to rent out the space to other hockey organizations once it is built will also be financially beneficial, as it will bring in more money to support academic programs and grant scholarships to students.
According to Fran Walmsley, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving for Advancement, Neumann has raised roughly $1.6 million in donations since this offer has been made. This amount does not include donations from other hockey organizations Neumann is affiliated with.
If Neumann fulfills this goal in donations within the given time frame, the Ed Snider Ice Arena will make the university more unique as it is already home to two NCAA division three hockey teams and a club team. Furthermore, it will serve as another way to attract new students interested in playing hockey and possibly even nonathletes.
Although there is much more money to be raised, it is very likely that if donations increase at this rate, Neumann will have a fine new addition to its campus.
