In 2017, the Coborn Family Foundation illuminated a new chapter in the Saint Ben’s athletic program by committing $500,000 to the construction and development of the Saint Benedict Athletics Complex. The gift was made possible by a generous donation from Dan ’52 and Mabel Coborn. The Coborn Family Foundation was established jointly by Coborn’s, Inc. and members of the Coborn family in 2015.
The Saint Benedict Athletics Complex is located on the east side of College Avenue between Renner House and Centennial Commons in St. Joseph, just up the street from the new Kennedy Community School (K-8). The location of the athletic fields is important. As President Hinton says, “I want the young girls on the bus to Kennedy to drive past those fields every day and think ‘I want to play there some day.’”
The fields consist of:
- Two soccer/lacrosse fields, with the varsity field having fixed spectator seating and artificial turf;
- Two softball fields, with the varsity field having fixed spectator seating and artificial turf;
- Three multi-use fields for intramural and community use; and
- An athletic center featuring locker rooms and a training room, with restrooms and concessions for spectators.
“The Coborn Family Foundation considers investments such as this as having a long-term impact,” Emily Coborn ’08 said. “When we invest in future generations of leaders and promote wellness, the benefits can go far beyond the initial intent. Ultimately, everyone wins and our communities become better places.”