ELLENSBURG, Wash. (June 9) — Kittitas County tennis enthusiasts were among about 50 people who attended the recent ribbon cutting ceremony and official opening of Central Washington University's Fred and Valerie Lister Tennis Facility.
A $300,000 gift to the CWU Foundation helped pay to replace the university's aging courts, near Nicholson Pavilion, that were first played on in 1961. The gift came from Russ Lister, of Everett, Anne Perry, of Bow, and Jim Lister, of Richmond, Virginia—the children of former CWU mathematics professor Fred Lister, who died in 2012. He and his wife, Valerie, who passed away in 2009, were ardent tennis players, watchers, and supporters.
"This seemed like a way to give back to the community that was good for me, but especially for my mom and dad," said Russ Lister. Both he and Anne are CWU alumni who played on both the Ellensburg High School and at CWU tennis teams during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Perry added, "After Dad passed away, we were thinking of using some of the proceeds from the estate to benefit the Ellensburg community and leave a legacy in honor of our mom and dad. Russ and I had noticed that many of the local tennis courts were in terrible shape, so this seemed like a good fit."
Lister and Perry conducted the ribbon cutting at the ceremony, which also included remarks from University Advancement Director Scott Wade; Department of Physical Education, School, and Public Health Chair Ken Briggs; and Associated Students of CWU President Brian Elliott.
"As a student, and someone who is about to graduate and become an alumnus, it's inspiring when you see a family give back to the university in the magnitude that they did," Elliott said. "It inspires me and makes me want to give back, as well, in the future."
The new courts feature an acrylic finish layer, with a vibrant crimson color, that is approved by the United States Tennis Association, are lighted for nighttime use, and have new fencing and gates, improved drainage, movable bleachers, practice boards, and competitor benches.
"They are great tennis courts and this is an outstanding facility for people to get out and enjoy playing a lifelong sport," Elliott pointed out. "I think you can already see that with all the people who are already using the new courts."
Areas outside the facility were also renovated to include accessible walkways and improved viewing.
The total cost was about $1.2 million. Other project funding will came from CWU capital preservation money, University Recreation, and student Services and Activities fees.
"This really was a collaborative effort involving the students, administration, and the alumni donors," Elliott added. "It's symbolic of what can happen when there is a collaborative effort among all of the interested parties and stakeholders."
The tennis court project is the latest in a series of phased-remodeling and renovation of CWU athletic facilities. However, it is among the first capital projects in recent history initiated by a donor's gift.
"We're very appreciative of the donation that allowed for completion of this project," said CWU Athletic Director Dennis Francois. "There are several other proposals that we're now reviewing, which would further enhance our student-athlete experience, better serve our fans, and offer improved and expanded recreational opportunities for all of our students."
