SPRINGFIELD, MO — Evangel University announced the completion of a $10 million matching gift challenge issued by the Green family, owners of Hobby Lobby and Mardel, at a dedication ceremony for the newly-constructed AGFinancial Arena on Friday, October 4. With the dollar-for-dollar match, a total of $20 million was raised.
The matching challenge, announced last November, was the second $10 million donation made by the family, with the first received in June of 2022. The challenge was expected to take a year to complete.
A significant portion of the funds raised was used to complete the arena project. Due to the Green’s transformational gift and the significant investment of AGFinancial, the Randy Rowden family, and hundreds of alumni and friends of the university, no debt was incurred.
“On behalf of our students, faculty, and staff, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Green family for their extraordinary generosity,” said Rakes. “Their gift has already made a profound impact on our campus, where we are shaping the lives of students, and it has inspired many EU alumni to join us in continuing this 70-year legacy of transformation.”
The state-of-the-art 71,000 square foot sports complex is home to Valor Athletics including football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball, and includes a 40,000 square foot arena and a 30,000 square foot training facility.
In addition to athletic activities, the arena will serve as a campus meeting space and event venue.
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70-degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- #1 Best College in Springfield & #2 Best Christian College in Missouri by Niche
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.