When A.T. Still University renovates the Thompson Campus Center in Kirksville, Missouri, the basketball court will be named in honor of longtime TCC director Dan Martin.
COMPASSION, INTEGRITY, ABILITY ... these are the core values and characteristics that are embraced and promoted at the Thompson Campus Center (TCC) on A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Missouri campus.
Upon meeting Dan Martin, MA, TCC director, it is apparent that these themes are not only central to Martin’s philosophy on wellness and leadership, they are central to his approach to life. Martin can be credited with shaping far more than the physical environment and programming of the TCC. He has created a culture that emphasizes the individual and his or her positive, principled relationship with fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle.
As a result of Martin’s influence, the TCC is not only the recreation center for ATSU’s Missouri campus, it is also an important learning center for the University. While students, faculty, and staff are visiting the TCC to participate in activities such as basketball, indoor soccer, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, or circuit weight training, they are also immersed in an environment designed to teach and maximize their potential in body, mind, and spirit.
Lynda Furney, TCC assistant director and Martin’s colleague since 1989, states, “Dan is exceptional in his commitment to student wellness. His dedication and devotion to not only the ATSU family’s wellness, but the community’s wellness, is extraordinary.”
"Dan motivates and inspires by doing. He doesn’t just talk healthy lifestyle, he lives it. Dan is the Thompson Campus Center!"
— Lynda Furney, TCC assistant director
Martin began serving as director of the TCC and ATSU’s wellness programs in 1982 when the facility opened. In those 35 years, annual membership has nearly doubled with thousands of individuals being encouraged to make positive and lasting lifestyle choices.
To further promote the TCC’s mission and attract promising students who value their own health and fitness, ATSU has announced plans to renovate several areas of the TCC, with the gymnasium serving as the centerpiece of the project. This renovation presents an opportunity to upgrade the facility while recognizing Martin’s exceptional commitment and unique contributions to the TCC, and the University community, in a meaningful way. To accomplish this vision, ATSU launched a campaign to raise $115,000 to replace the existing gym floor with a maple wood basketball court to be named the Dan Martin Court upon its completion. Another $185,000 must be raised for additional facility improvements, making a total fundraising goal of $300,000 for this project.
Gifts to this fundraising initiative can be completed by contacting The Mesa Campus or the Kirksville Campus at 480.219.6105 (AZ) or 660.626.2180 (MO) or development@atsu.edu, or by donating online at atsu.edu/dan-martin-court. Pledge commitments may be completed over a five-year period.