Azusa Pacific University -- In Focus

By Gary Pine '84

Students stand talking on beautiful West Campus.

Cindy (DeYoung '86, M.A. '88) Tanis had heard about it since her senior year of high school-and that was back in 1982, when she was a promising basketball player considering Azusa Pacific as her college choice. She eventually chose APU and proceeded to put together a four-year career unequalled in the annals of Cougar basketball. Yet, much like Moses, Tanis never played in the "promised land" – a multimillion dollar event center. She only heard rumors and whispers about it.

This center will improve the awareness of the university throughout Southern California.

After nearly two decades of wondering and waiting, Tanis returned to her alma mater in February for the much-anticipated dedication of the Richard and Vivian Felix Event Center. Her reaction was not uncommon.

"I was impressed," said Tanis. "I saw the glass, the shape, and thought, 'We did this right.'" And that was before she stepped inside.

Such has been the response of many first-time visitors to the 70,000 square-foot Felix Event Center, which opened December 15, 2000, as host site of the university's winter commencement ceremonies. The $14 million, 13-month project is quickly becoming a San Gabriel Valley landmark.

Former Azusa Pacific President Richard Felix, Ph.D., for whom the facility is named along with his late wife, Vivian, would like to see it become a benchmark as well.

Admittedly, Felix is humbled that shortly after he announced his retirement in January 2000, the Board of Trustees unanimously decided to name the event center in honor of him and Vivian. He is quick to point out that he had very little to do with development of funds for its construction. And while that may be true, Felix is the person who pressed the issue, who had the courage to tackle a building project like none other in university history, and who, in the end, pulled the trigger on the financial deal with the architects and contractors. Given the lengthy past of such a forthcoming facility, which seemingly paralleled the Israelites' 40-year venture to the Promised Land, Felix's leadership and willingness to risk are reasons enough for the building to bear his name.

"You don't set out in life to have buildings named after you," Felix said. "I was blown away by the board's announcement. I still have goose bumps thinking, 'Our names are on this place.'"

Picture of the Richard and Vivian Felix Event Center.

The complex seats 3,500 for athletic events and nearly 5,000 for concerts, conventions, and seminars. One of the founding intentions of the facility is to strengthen the university's ability to partner with the communities of the San Gabriel Valley. High school and collegiate athletic championships are on the docket, as well as local church events. Night of Champions, the university's annual outreach to high school students, will be staged in and around the event center.

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