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OGDEN, Utah (AP) -- A Utah couple have donated $1 million to Weber State University for upgrades to the school's football stadium.
School officials say the contribution from longtime WSU supporters Robert and Annette Marquardt will fund a new artificial turf field and a resurfacing of the track at Stewart Stadium. The first-phase improvements are expected to be done before the 2011 football season.
The university also plans to build an entrance plaza, on the north side of the stadium, to be named the Robert L. and Annette Marquardt Plaza, the Standard-Examiner of Ogden reports.
A portion of the donation will be used for football scholarships, and to boost recruitment efforts, provide for locker room renovations and pay coaching salaries.
"This (donation) is a huge benefit to the institution," WSU Athletics Director Jerry Bovee said. "Bob and Annette have been very influential and supportive of Weber State over the years. To me, this just sends the message that we're continuing to grow, we're continuing to gain support in the community. He wants to show his support in moving the program to the next level."
Bovee said the improved facilities will also allow Weber State to host more community events.
"I hope we can attract high school playoffs at some level back north," he said. "(The field) bridges the gap with the community; it allows us to do some things with the institution. It's just a win-win."
Robert Marquardt is a former Thiokol executive who founded Centerville-based Management and Training Corporation, which provides academic, career and technical training and manages privatized corrections facilities across the country. He and his wife have also made major contributions to other WSU departments and facilities.
Marquardt was awarded an honorary doctor of humanities degree from Weber State University in 1995.
He said he hopes the donation will help set a pattern that other individuals or organizations will follow "because good athletics are very, very dependent upon the community in terms of education for the students."
"If Weber is going to be top in football and basketball, we've got to be top also in giving, which is so important to the base for good athletics," he said. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to help (Weber State) and maybe set the path for others to follow."
WSU officials say the couple will be honored for their most recent gift in a private gathering at the stadium Saturday before the Wildcat's football game against Montana.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
