http://newsbulletin.msu.edu/2007-11-08/Demmer.html
I wonder when CPL classes start.
Not likely, but that would rock.
I wonder when CPL classes start.
Not likely, but that would rock.MSU to build shooting sports, education and training center
By Kirk Heinze, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The MSU Board of Trustees has approved the development of a new $3.5 million sports facility, the John and Marnie Demmer Shooting Sports, Education and Training Center.
The 23,000-square-foot, multi-purpose facility will support NCAA shooting programs and team sports, the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), and hunter safety and 4-H youth programs. It will also house club shooting sports – including small-bore, air rifle and archery – and academic programs in shooting sports, law enforcement and related curricula.
Funding for the center has come entirely from private and public contributions to the university, with principal support from John Demmer and his late wife, Marnie. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Glassen Foundation are also major supporters of the center and its allied activities.
“It feels great to be helping Michigan State University bring a world class facility to its campus for the promotion of shooting sports,” said John Demmer, chairman of the Demmer Corp. “My wife, Marnie, and I met at MSU prior to World War II, and the university has been a very important part of our lives ever since. It has been our fondest wish that this spectacular facility will help inspire respect for the shooting sports and that it will be replicated at other institutions.”
“As the developers of the original challenge grant for this project, we at the Hal and Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation are excited about the depth of support provided by the university and the many other partners,” said Neil McLean, president of the Glassen Foundation.
The center will serve as the training site for future national championship caliber collegiate shooting sports teams. The facility will also provide space for public shooting sports education courses and extramural enjoyment opportunities for the public. Two indoor ranges will accommodate small-bore, air rifle and archery; an outside archery park will include beginner, field and competitive ranges.
“The center will provide our students and the public with first class instruction and skill development, education and training opportunities in a state-of-the-art facility and it will help promote the importance of recreational and competitive shooting sports,” said William Taylor, chairperson of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. “One day we want to see an MSU Spartan as an Olympic shooting athlete.”
“This facility will not only enable me to excel in my training, but it will also serve as a foundation from which the public can learn about shooting sports in a safe, structured environment,” said David Roth, president of the MSU Archery Club and member of the 2007 U.S. Archery All-American Team.
The center will be open to MSU faculty, staff, students and the public. It will integrate and expand academic and certification programming. Among the programs requiring firearm safety and education certifications are the conservation officer specialization and environmental crime certificate offered through the departments of Fisheries and Wildlife, Criminal Justice and ROTC training and recruitment. The center will also accommodate state programming and certification in firearm safety for all age groups. DNR conservation officer and MSU Police officer certification training will also be part of the educational training portfolio.
“MSU and the DNR have a long history of building strong relationships,” said Rebecca Humphries, director of the Michigan DNR. “The new center is yet another opportunity for our organizations to strengthen our partnership by developing shooting sports as a life-long recreational pursuit. Not only is the pastime one of the fastest growing activities in the nation, it offers a platform for self-discipline and concentration – characteristics that exemplify leadership and sound decision-making.”
Construction is expected to begin in May 2008, with completion by late March or early April 2009.
