The Ohle family gathers at The W’s rededication ceremony.

During Homecoming & Family Weekend 2024, the college honored former president Dr. Jack R. Ohle and his wife, Kris, for their many years of service with a special rededication.

The W is now formally known as the Ohle Wartburg-Waverly Sports & Wellness Center — a fitting tribute, as The W was the last of several building projects initiated during Ohle’s tenure as president.

“The W continues to be a place that connects our campus and community and enhances the quality of life for everyone in the region,” said President Rebecca Ehretsman.

“The dream and vision of The W brought together many constituents, and today we can see the importance and value of the facility in the lives of students and the community,” said Jack Ohle. “Our hearts are grateful to all who believed in the vision of The W and supported, contributed, and worked to complete the facility.”

With the Community & Wellness Recreation initiative through Our Brightest Days, The W will be upgraded to better serve campus and the community well into the future.

The $5 million effort will include resurfacing the Hoover Fieldhouse & Track; updating equipment for the swimming pool, vortex pool, sauna, and hot tub in the Schuldt Natatorium; resurfacing Walston-Hoover Stadium’s outdoor track; replacing the Zimmerman Field turf; upgrading the climbing wall; and an endowment for modernizing weight and cardio equipment.