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Site Work Begins on Expansion of Frank Blocker, Jr. Youth Center at Virginia Wesleyan University
Expansion to Bolster Center's Capacity, Provide Nurturing Environment for Educational and Personal Growth
University News | September 8, 2023
Construction has commenced on an expansion to the Frank Blocker, Jr. Youth Center at Virginia Wesleyan University. Dr. Scott D. Miller, President of the University, announced this week that the expansion project has been made possible through the generous support of the S. Frank Blocker, Jr. Foundation. The late Frank Blocker's enduring commitment to the University's growth has paved the way for this remarkable enhancement.
Frank Blocker's legacy as a driving force behind Virginia Wesleyan University's progress is deeply rooted, dating back to 1986 and continuing until his passing in 2020. During his influential tenure, Blocker was an integral member of the University's Board of Trustees, serving from 1990 and eventually being named Trustee Emeritus in 2007. His engagement extended beyond the university grounds, as he also played a pivotal role in shaping the Norfolk YMCA and championing the endowment program.
In a testament to his visionary leadership, Blocker fostered a partnership between Virginia Wesleyan University and the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, leading to the establishment of the Frank Blocker Youth Center on the VWU campus in 2017. Since its inauguration, the Center has flourished as a dynamic hub of activity, accommodating the Tidewater Collegiate Academy during the academic year and hosting the YMCA Camp Red Feather throughout the summer months.
Today, the University is proud to announce that the Blocker Foundation, in continuation of Mr. Blocker's profound legacy, is generously funding the construction of a two-classroom addition to the Blocker Youth Center. This expansion is set to bolster the Center's capacity to accommodate an even greater number of students and provide a nurturing environment for their educational and personal growth.
"Mr. Blocker's unwavering dedication to our institution has left an indelible mark on the lives of over 1,500 students who have benefited from the Center's offerings in the past academic year," remarked President Miller. "With this expansion, his vision lives on, and the impact on future generations will undoubtedly be profound."
The architectural design for the expansion is being handled by Michael Schnekser of Tymoff and Moss, while the R.D. Lambert of Chesapeake has been entrusted with the role of general contractor. Construction on the new addition is scheduled to commence in September, marking a significant milestone in the journey of this remarkable facility. As the expansion unfolds, the University eagerly anticipates the continued positive influence it will have on students' lives, carrying forward the legacy of Frank Blocker, Jr.