Debra Runkle Center Dedication
Aug 26, 2016
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque will hold a dedication ceremony for the new Debra Runkle Center at 3:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, in Mercer Birmingham Plaza. The event is free and open to the public.
Connected to Mercer Birmingham Hall and the University Maintenance/Housekeeping Offices, the center houses 124 lockers for football players, laundry units, and maintenance storage areas. An investor who wished to remain anonymous donated $1.7 million for the 9,000-square-foot, two-story facility.
The center is named in honor of Debra Runkle, University associate athletic director, medical coordinator, and head athletic trainer. Runkle, who joined UD in 2002, earned her bachelor of science in physical education from South Dakota State University and her master of arts in physical education from Mankato State University with an emphasis on sports medicine.
“The naming of this center in my name is an unexpected and grateful honor,” Runkle said. “As medical coordinator and head athletic trainer, my goal is to assist all students in their medical care to be prepared and ready to meet the challenges of college life so they can achieve their dreams and goals. It gives me tremendous pride that I am able to contribute to their success.”
Friday’s ceremony will include remarks from UD President Jeffrey Bullock and Runkle. Tours of the center will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., with barbeque afterwards
