CLEVELAND STATE ATHLETICS DEDICATES MARK E. SMITH PERFORMANCE CENTER
Cleveland State and the Cougar Athletic Department celebrated the dedication and grand opening of the Mark E. Smith Performance Center on Wednesday afternoon. The Performance Center was made possible by a generous contribution from Mark E. Smith.
Smith is an alumni of Cleveland State and a member of the Cleveland State Athletic Hall of Fame. He is the CEO and president of Smith Management McDonalds, which operates 11 restaurants in Bradley and the surronding counties. He graduated from Cleveland State in 1980 before finishing his degree at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He has served on Cleveland State's Board of Trustees for more than 26 years.
"Mark Smith is a proud alum and steadfast supporter of Cleveland State," John Squires, vice president of Economic and Community Development, said. "His generous contribution to renovate and upgrade the Performance Center exemplifies his commitmentto the success and well-being of our students both on and off the field. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and leadership in strengthening our college and community."
Cleveland State Athletic Director Mike Policastro added, "Mark and McDonalds Smith Management has a long history with Cleveland State athletics. Mark's dad Hank was one of the original members of the athletics booster Cougar Club and has been a supporter to athletics for the past 50 years. Mark's contribution has gone beyond just a financial gift. His belief in Cleveland State and the athletes and coaches that make up the athletic department goes beyond this gift itself. Your generosity, support and the support of Smith Management through the years makes a huge difference for all of our athletes. The Mark E Smith Performance stands as a testament to his belief in Cleveland State and the development of our student athletes."
The Mark E. Smith Performance Center is not only four Cougar student athletes, but also the general student population as well as staff and administration. The Center is located on the first floor of the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium.
