The new Teri Kuhlman Fitness Center at Walla Walla College will be dedicated during alumni homecoming weekend 2005. The event will be held Sabbath, April 23, at 4 p.m.

The center, located in the Winter Educational Complex, will be dedicated to Teri Kuhlman, a long-time office manager for the health and physical education (HPE) department. Kuhlman passed away in January of 2004 after an extended battle with cancer.

Kuhlman graduated from WWC in 1986 with a major in physical education. She worked for the HPE department for more than 20 years, managing the office and also organizing community fitness and recreation classes—including aqua aerobics and children's swimming and gymnastics classes. Encouraging physical fitness in those around her, Kuhlman was a model of fitness and perseverance. She was an avid triathlete and a founding member of the executive committee for Walla Walla’s Onion Man Triathlon. She also co-founded WWC’s Richard J. Kegley Alumni Fun Run/Walk.

Contributions by the senior class of 2004 and the Associated Students of Walla Walla College of 2005 made the renovation of the fitness center possible. “Without their donations, we would not have even attempted it,” says Rodd Strobel, facilities manager. The center features a new Cybex weight-training circuit, new cardio equipment, and an extra 2,100 square feet of space. The fitness center will also feature a cancer awareness and prevention kiosk with the latest information and research on various types of cancer.

The center’s grand opening will feature an unveiling of an original work of art in honor of Kuhlman by Walla Walla artist Mark Farr.

Many individuals and companies also contributed time, money and materials toward both the renovation and the continuing development of the fitness center. “We welcome further contributions that will enable us to continue to better meet the physical needs of the faculty, staff and students at Walla Walla College,” says Strobel.