MSU receives $500K donation for athletic facility

Missouri State University has received a $500,000 donation toward construction of the Bill R. Foster and Family Recreation Center and support for the school's intramural sports program.

The donation was provided by Springfield philanthropist Bobby Allison in his and his late mother's name. MSU is naming the basketball courts inside the recreation center the Betty and Bobby Allison Courts and the intramural field at Cherry Street and National Avenue the Betty and Bobby Allison Intramural Fields, according to a news release.

“I am so pleased to assist the university in their efforts to help with student projects,” said Bobby Allison in the release. “The youth of today are so important to our future, and I am pleased to do my part in helping make a great educational college experience.”

The $30 million, 100,000-square-foot recreation center located near JQH Arena received a naming level donation in an undisclosed amount in October from veteran Springfield businessman and community activist Bill R. Foster and his family. The facility, which is being designed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, is expected to open this year, according to the MSU Web site.

"As state funding shrinks, private contributions such as these are key to the university continuing to advance," MSU Interim President Clif Smart said in the release. "Mr. Allison’s gift adds yet more opportunities for our students and, thus, adds to the value Missouri State provides for its students.”

Allison has contributed to several sports-related programs, including the Betty Allison Junior Golf Course at Rivercut, Betty Allison at Oscar Blom, the Betty and Bobby Allison Miracle League Ball Field, and the golf range and kids golf course currently under development at Twin Oaks Country Club, the release said.