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������Ƶ celebrated the renovation of the Ellmer Family Baseball Complex at Bud Metheny Ballpark on June 5, culminating a series of three groundbreaking events for historic capital investments that advance the University’s position as a leading institution to study, research, create and compete. 

The $24 million baseball complex project, expected to be completed in 2026 before the upcoming season, will improve player and fan experiences — offering updated locker rooms and a players’ lounge, an expansive hospitality area, donor lounges, donor suites and accommodations for up to 3,000 guests.  

Dennis Ellmer ’11, a philanthropist, well-respected businessman, member of the University’s Board of Visitors and project namesake said, “As donors, athletics is what originally drew us to this campus. But shortly after that, we saw the manner in which this University was committed to advancing and supporting the broader community. And, we developed a true appreciation for the critical role that it actively plays in shaping the future of so many.” 

Joined by his wife Jan, Ellmer added, “As dedicated Monarchs, Jan and I are all in on creating opportunities for current and future generations. To President Hemphill, Jena Virga, Dr. Wood Selig, Coach Finwood and many others, it is an honor to be part of something like this! We are proud of this significant project and numerous others at ������Ƶ and across Hampton Roads.” 

������Ƶ President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., shared his sincere appreciation for the Ellmers and other lead donors, by saying, “This event is about more than athletics. It is about community, and it is about family!”  

The Ellmer Family Baseball Complex renovation groundbreaking is the third in a series of groundbreakings held since mid-April to mark a new era of transformation at ������Ƶ.  

The first groundbreaking, held on April 16, was for the Barry Art Museum expansion, a $25 million project that will add a 25,200-square-foot, three-story wing. The expansion will include a multiuse event space, community gallery, media video gallery, educational laboratory and expanded art storage. The project was funded by museum co-founders Carolyn and Dick Barry, Joan Brock and the family of Leah and Richard Waitzer. Funding for this project will also establish an endowment for operations.  

On April 28, the University broke ground on a new $184 million Biological Sciences Building, funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The five-story, 162,586-square-foot building will house classrooms, teaching laboratories, a 120-seat lecture hall and other student support spaces. The building is expected to be ready for students and faculty beginning in spring 2028.  

“It is rare for an institution to celebrate three new projects in such a short span of time, but it is even more special to place an emphasis and make an investment across the arts, academics and athletics,” President Hemphill said. “This is a testament to ������Ƶ’s long-standing commitment to provide a holistic, one-of-a-kind experience.” 

Norfolk Councilman Carlos J. Clanton, representative of Superward 7 in which the University is located, attended all three events and said, “This is an extraordinary time for our local community. ������Ƶ is diligently working to provide expanded opportunities for all. We are honored to have such an active and thoughtful partner in enhancing the quality of life for those who choose to learn, live, work and visit Norfolk!” 

Raquan Griffin ‘23 (M.P.A. ‘25), this academic year’s Student Representative to the Board of Visitors, who earned his graduate degree in May, said, “I cannot think of a better way to conclude my Board service and student journey. ������Ƶ is an institution on the move, and I cannot wait to see how my alma mater will continue to raise the bar in both engagement and excellence. I am so proud to be a Monarch!’