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whelandj

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  1. Last week I received an e-mail message from SluSignGuy requesting that we post an update on the arena project. The timing of his request is probably good since we suspect there are a few Billiken fans discussing the article that appeared in the Post-Dispatch this morning about the arena. We agreed to meet with the reporter yesterday because it had been some time since an article on the arena had appeared in the paper. Our intention was to provide an update on the project and emphasize Saint Louis University's commitment to building this arena. We also wanted to remind the community that the arena project is part of a $300 million University-wide campaign that includes many important objectives, along with another major building project - the research building. As all of you know, Fr. Biondi stated many months ago that the research building is the University's first priority. That does not mean the arena is on the "back burner." We continue to work hard every day to secure major commitments for the arena, research building, scholarships, endowed chairs and all of the funding objectives outlined in our campaign. It is understandable that our two major building projects are receiving most of the attention from alumni and friends of the University. These are the facts: 1. We are building an arena. It is going to be a first-rate facility and a major step toward helping Brad Soderberg build a nationally prominent program. 2. There are staff and key volunteers working on this project every day. 3. Ground will be broken when 75 percent of our $40 million fund-raising goal is met. We have $12 million committed to date. 4. The current focus is on the leadership gift phase of the arena campaign and on securing a major corporate sponsor. 5. Proceeds from a naming rights deal are separate from the fund-raising goal. 6. There are large gifts in the works, and announcements will be made when they become firm commitments. 7. We are discussing naming rights with several entities and are optimistic that a deal will be finalized. 8. If you have not yet been asked to participate in the arena campaign and would like to make a gift or pledge now, my phone number is (314) 977-2472. Or, you can wait until we begin the next phase of the campaign, when every Billiken fan will have an opportunity to participate. 9. Final arena design details are still being determined. The Mill Creek water situation is being addressed. According to the engineers, it does not pose a major problem. 10. The formal process of selling suites has not yet begun, but demand for them is strong. Some of you might have heard Brad Soderberg speak after the Billiken Classic golf tournament on Monday night. Between recruiting success and the new arena, this guy is pumped! He made everyone in the room proud to be a Billiken fan. We hope alumni and friends of Saint Louis University trust that we are on the right track and understand that significant progress is being made on the arena. We don't mind being challenged by our stakeholders because we know that most of them have the University's best interest at heart. But we believe there are more reasons to be excited than critical about what's happening here. All of us wish things were moving more quickly, but please know that this arena is going to be built, and it will be worth the wait. Finally, in an effort to improve communication, we will post periodic updates on this message board. As always, feel free to call me if you would like to discuss the arena project in greater detail. Thank you again for your continued support of Saint Louis University and Billiken Athletics. Don Whelan Saint Louis University Vice President for Development and University Relations
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