Limestone Announces Matching Gift Challenge To Replace Playing Surface At The Timken Center

Limestone University has announced a generous matching gift challenge from a local family to help replace the hardwood court at The Timken Center gymnasium.

The donation will significantly enhance the Limestone student experience, ensuring a safer and more competitive environment for Saints athletics.

Dr. Hank Jolly and his wife, Dr. Michelle Bedell Jolly, have committed to matching donations up to $75,000 to support the project. The transformative gift will allow Limestone to replace the current court that has been in place since The Timken Center was constructed in 1976. The new playing surface will further elevate the University’s commitment to providing excellent facilities for its student-athletes and fostering community engagement.

The total fundraising goal to replace the hardwood playing surface at The Timken Center is $250,000.

“We are incredibly grateful to Hank and Michelle – who have both served on our Board of Trustees in the past – for their tremendous generosity and support of our athletics program,” said Dr. Nathan Copeland, President of Limestone University. “The new playing surface at The Timken Center will not only improve the quality of competition for our teams but will also create a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone who uses the gymnasium, including our athletes, physical education classes, student activities, and community events.”

With a current hardwood floor nearly half a century in age, The Timken Center is a hub for Limestone's indoor athletic activities, hosting men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, volleyball, acrobatics and tumbling, competitive cheerleading, and dance.

The renovation of the playing surface is part of Limestone’s ongoing commitment to upgrading athletic facilities and enhancing the student-athlete experience through its “Championship Focus” athletics campaign.

The University, along with the Jolly family, is encouraging alumni, community members, and supporters to take part in the challenge. Contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $75,000, doubling the impact of each donation.

“While Michelle and I may not be alumni of Limestone University, it holds a special place in our community,” said Dr. Hank Jolly. “We consider the Limestone community to be our neighbor, and with that in mind, we have both found meaningful ways to support our local school. The Limestone basketball program has always been close to our hearts, and we are excited to announce a matching gift challenge to further support this cause. We encourage others to join us in contributing to the growth of Limestone’s athletic programs, helping to create a lasting impact on the athletes and coaches who proudly represent the University.”

The University plans to begin the hardwood court replacement in the spring of 2025, with the new playing surface expected to be ready for the 2025-2026 athletic season.

“The Jolly family has been long-time fans, friends, and supporters of Limestone University and our athletic department,” noted Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Hailey Martin. “This newly announced matching gift is going to impact seven athletic teams and well over one hundred student athletes, plus our entire campus community that utilizes The Timken Center.”

Martin added that a naming rights partnership opportunity also exists for the playing surface at venue.

To contribute to the matching gift campaign, visit www.limestone.edu/championship-focus. Inquires about naming rights opportunities can be made to Stacy Aldrich, Limestone’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement. She can be reached at saldrich@limestone.edu.

Limestone’s “Championship Focus” athletics campaign, when completed, will fulfill a promise to provide student-athletes with access to unrivaled, vibrant facilities that will help them achieve their full athletic potential while maintaining their academic pursuits. With an overall fundraising goal of $1.5 million, “Championship Focus” will provide the opportunity to immediately impact nearly all of Limestone’s student-athletes with improved facilities. In addition to the new playing surface at The Timken Center, “Championship Focus” will include an Athletic Performance Center at the Bob Campbell Field House, and safety and amenity upgrades for baseball’s Founders FCU Stadium and the softball program’s Jimmy Martin Field.