Picture this. A colossal 244000 square foot structure looms before you. This is the Margot Connell Recreation Center. It’s more than just a building. It’s a testament to the unwavering commitment of one woman. A woman whose generosity redefined fitness and recreation at Boston College.
The Margot Connell Recreation Center stands as a beacon. It’s a symbol of active lifestyles. It’s a four-story marvel. It boasts a fitness center. A rock climbing wall beckons the adventurous. A jogging track winds its way through the building. There’s an aquatics center for those seeking a refreshing dip. Gleaming wood-floor basketball courts await games. Tennis courts promise friendly competitions. Multi-purpose rooms host spin classes yoga and other fitness activities.
Margot Connell a trustee associate and honorary degree recipient envisioned this. She’s a mother of six Boston College graduates. She’s a grandmother of many more. Her $50 million gift made this state-of-the-art center a reality. Her dedication stems from personal experience. She’s an avid golfer. She’s witnessed countless memorable sports moments alongside her family. She understood the need for a space where students could unwind. A place to build friendships. A place to relieve the stress of academic rigor.
The center opened in July 2019. It’s already impacted the Boston College community. Campus Recreation memberships surged by 25 percent. Student activity and usage increased by 40 percent. This shows how vital this space is for students. It is a place for everyone.
President William P Leahy S J called Margot Connell a matriarch. He praised her leadership by example. She built bridges and provided unwavering support. Her generosity touches all corners of Boston College.
The Margot Connell Recreation Center isn’t just a building. It’s a legacy. It’s a symbol of dedication. It’s a place where students can thrive both academically and athletically. It’s a place built on a dream. A dream brought to life by one woman’s remarkable generosity. It’s a place that will continue to inspire for generations to come.