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By BRETT JOHNSON
Anyone stepping foot on St. Thomas’ St. Paul campus can see the difference made by Lee and Penny Anderson. Fifteen years ago, their $60 million lead gift transformed the university with buildings for athletics, a student center and a parking facility – all of which bear their name. In January, they continued their unprecedented support of St. Thomas with another transformative gift. The university announced the couple’s $75 million donation to build the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena. It is St. Thomas’ largest single gift, and is the ninth largest to any Division I athletics program. Their donation officially kicked off fundraising with a goal of $131 million for the venue on the university’s south campus. Total project costs are estimated at $175 million and, provided funding goals are met, the arena would open for the 2025-26 athletic season. The arena will elevate the on-campus experience for St. Thomas students as the home for commencement, events, basketball and hockey, President Rob Vischer said. In addition, it will catalyze support for local and regional businesses. “Even though St. Thomas has been advancing knowledge, changing lives and strengthening communities for 138 years, our culture of innovation and remarkable philanthropic support make clear: We’re just getting started,” he said. Anderson said he and Penny looked at St. Thomas’ past, its values and the path forward that President Vischer and his predecessors have set. “Now, more than ever, our world needs leaders with strong moral character who believe in the mission to serve the common good,” Anderson said. “As a private university, enhancing the student experience and elevating St. Thomas to greater heights requires all alumni and friends to get behind it. We hope they see our gift as a challenge to boost St. Thomas’ mission for the world to see.”
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