Neumann University is about to get a major upgrade with its largest gift ever. Thanks to a $15 million matching gift from Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education, the university will be able to build an on-campus ice hockey arena. This facility will not only benefit Neumann’s teams but also serve as an expansion for the program, which supports disadvantaged teens in the Philadelphia region.
This generous donation is the largest single gift Neumann University has ever received. With the matching gift, the university aims to raise a total of $35 million to construct the new 98,108-square-foot arena. The anticipated completion date is 2026.
The hockey arena will be named after the late Ed Snider, the founder of the Philadelphia Flyers. It will be located on the north end of Neumann’s campus, adjacent to a turf field and residential homes on Convent Road. However, before construction can begin, the university must obtain the necessary approvals from the township.
The state-of-the-art facility will feature two ice hockey rinks. One will be dedicated to Neumann’s teams, while the other will be used by the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education program. The program, established in 2005, focuses on promoting health, wellness, education, and life skills among young individuals through the sport of hockey.
Scott Tharp, the president and CEO of Snider, expressed excitement about the partnership with Neumann University. He believes that the new arena will not only benefit their program but also allow them to expand their services to the city of Chester and its surrounding areas. By providing opportunities for underprivileged kids, the program aims to make a positive impact on their lives.
This collaboration marks the first time the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education program is involved in building an on-campus arena from scratch. In the past, they contributed $7 million to the University of Pennsylvania for renovations to its Class of 1923 Arena, which they currently utilize.
Bringing the program to college campuses has proven to be highly beneficial. Tharp highlighted the positive influence it has on young individuals, many of whom never considered attending college before being exposed to campus life. Neumann University plans to take full advantage of this partnership by hosting summer camps on campus and allowing youth to experience university facilities.
Neumann University President Chris Domes sees the Snider program’s mission as aligned with the university’s goals of serving students from lower-income families and addressing community needs. Additionally, having the sport of hockey on campus will enhance the university experience for students and expose them to a new and exciting sport.
Ice hockey holds a special place at Neumann University. The university’s men’s team, established 26 years ago, achieved national recognition by winning the NCAA Division III championship in 2009. In 2001, a women’s team was added, further expanding the university’s commitment to the sport. Currently, around 90 athletes participate in the hockey program, practicing and playing their games at a community facility.
The relationship between Neumann University and the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education program dates back almost a decade. The program has previously received recognition from the university, and in 2020, they provided a generous donation of $500,000 to support full scholarships for freshman and transfer students who completed their program. Currently, 15 program participants are enrolled at Neumann through this scholarship initiative.
The impact of the Snider program extends beyond scholarships. In 2022, Jasmine Martinez, a former program participant and Neumann senior, had the honor of announcing the Philadelphia Flyers’ first draft pick during the NHL draft. Martinez credits the program for her college education and the opportunity to continue playing the sport she loves.
The new hockey arena will not only serve as a venue for games but also offer additional amenities. It will have seating for 750 spectators on the university side and 300 on the program’s side. The facility will include classrooms, locker rooms, training and treatment areas, kitchen and concession spaces, and a spacious 7,000-square-foot lobby with seating.
Neumann University also plans to generate revenue by renting out the arena when it’s not in use. This will provide additional funding for the university and contribute to the sustainability of the facility.
In conclusion, Neumann University’s partnership with the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education program is set to transform the campus with the construction of a state-of-the-art hockey arena. This generous gift will not only benefit the university’s teams but also provide opportunities for underprivileged youth in the Philadelphia region. The new facility will serve as a hub for promoting health, wellness, education, and life skills through the sport of hockey. Neumann University is excited to embark on this project and looks forward to the positive impact it will have on the community.