Cornell announces $1 million Hall-Perrine matching grant

April 6, 2021

Cornell College has received a $1 million matching grant from The Hall-Perrine Foundation for the Athletic and Wellness Facilities Project, part of Cornell’s Greater > Than comprehensive campaign. 

The Foundation will award one dollar for every two dollars raised, up to $1 million. The college needs to raise $2 million to receive the matching grant. This funding will help the college reach its goal of raising $19.5 million to expand and renovate the Small Sport Center. 

Rendering of a fitness center
Both floors of the fitness area are visually open to one another, fostering a sense of community.

“We have a long-standing relationship with The Hall-Perrine Foundation and their latest grant shows their strong commitment to private higher education in Linn County,” said Cornell President Jonathan Brand. “We can’t thank The Hall-Perrine Foundation board enough for helping Cornell grow, and we’re excited to see donors step up to help us raise the matching funds to unlock this grant.”

The Hall-Perrine Foundation has supported other projects on campus, including the construction of Russell Science Center and renovations of the Thomas Commons, Cole Library, and fine arts facilities.

Hall-Perrine Foundation Executive Director Julie Johnson says the project will help recruit and keep talented students right here in Iowa. The Hall-Perrine Foundation, incorporated in 1953 by the Hall and the Perrine families, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of Linn County.

“I think that this expanded and renovated facility will be a positive update to the campus and an attraction for student-athletes,” Johnson said. “I also think the entire Cornell community will benefit from its health and wellness aspects. That really came through when I toured the building–it will be an asset to the entire Cornell campus.” 

Construction is slated to begin this spring on the 18-month athletics project, and work will wrap up in the fall of 2022. When completed, the renewed Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center (with a new nickname of the SAW) will become a vital hub of campus life.