A $1.4 million donation to the Regis University athletics program will go toward the construction of a multi-functional practice facility, providing additional training space and accommodations for student athletes, according to a news release from the university.
The Berce Athletic Center will feature two full basketball courts, volleyball courts, auxiliary centers for athletics training, strength and conditioning, and more.
The largest single gift to the athletics department kicks off the first phase of the university’s 20-year master plan. Construction is set to begin in July with an anticipated opening in November, the release says.
Dan and Annie Berce, of Fort Worth, Texas, are Regis alumni. Dan earned his accounting degree in 1975, while Annie earned a degree in business administration in 1977. Dan serves on the Board of Trustees at Regis and has been an active volunteer leader at the Jesuit, Catholic university for many years.
“We are thrilled to be able to make this gift, especially since it will directly benefit students and student athletes,” Dan Berce said in the release. “Access to quality athletic facilities is an important part of the Regis experience.”
Dan has served as president and CEO of GM Financial in Fort Worth since 2005. Previously, he was president from 2003-05 and chief financial officer from 1990 to 2003. GM Financial is the captive auto finance company for General Motors with operations in North America, South America and Asia. The company serves 14,000 dealers and 6 million customers worldwide, and has earning assets of nearly $100 billion, according to the most recent reports.
The approximately 24,000-square-foot facility will be north of the Regis Field House on its Northwest Denver Campus at West 50th Avenue and Federal Boulevard.
“The Berce Athletic Center transforms our campus and athletics program by providing expanded opportunities for all, including our surrounding community,” David Spafford, assistant vice president and director of athletics, said in the release.