Legendary DePaul University men's basketball coach Ray Meyer of Arlington Heights was honored by several generations of DePaul athletes and university officials at an emotional dedication ceremony Sept. 30 for the university's new $13-million Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center in Lincoln Park. More than 400 members of the university and Lincoln Park communities gathered at the new facility to celebrate its opening and thank the former coach for his 55 years of service to DePaul.

     "I can't tell you how happy I am," Meyer said, his voice choking with emotion. " I truly wish every person here could have a day like this in their lives. It's really something. It's going to be with me not just today and tomorrow but I'll take it with me to my grave."

     "This is a magnificent structure," he said. "I hope students get the use out of it and the happiness that I've hoped for."

     With the help of a stepladder, the 85-year-old coach dedicated the building by dunking a ball in the basket at the event held on the third floor basketball court of the recreation center, 2235 N. Sheffield Ave.

     Among those honoring the coach were two former Blue Demons--George Mikan, chosen the best NBA player of the first half century, and Tyrone Corbin, a 13-year NBA veteran.

     Mikan, the star of DePaul's 1945 national championship team coached by Meyer, recalled how Meyer helped launch his basketball career.

     "Ray saw something in me," Mikan said, tears welling in his eyes. "He dedicated himself to me. Everything I learned I learned from him. I could never repay Ray for what he has done for me. My whole life is around what Ray taught me."

     Corbin thanked Meyer for "making an impression on people in a positive way."

     "The thing I really enjoyed about my four years here is how he pushed me," Corbin said. "He pushed me to be a better person as well as a better athlete."

     For the event, a Blue Demon blue floor covering was spread over the recreation center's multiple-court gymnasium. Cocktail tables decorated with giant gold ribbons filled the court. A wide assortment of hors d'oeuvres, fruits, cheese and bubbling fountains of juice were served.

     The four-level, 120,000-square-foot Lincoln Park facility opened its doors Sept. 1. It provides an expanded venue for intramural and club sports, wellness activities and fitness programs for students, staff, faculty and alumni. The university also plans to offer community sports and recreational summer camps.

     Features of the new building include a six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool; a nearly 7,000-square-foot multi-purpose group fitness area including a studio for spinning; more than 12,000 square-feet of strength and conditioning equipment; four basketball courts called the Goldberg Family Courts; three racquetball courts; a 200-meter running track, a fitness testing area and locker rooms. A snack bar, instructional cooking area and lounge are among the center's other amenities.

     The Ray Meyer Fitness Center was designed by architects from Antunovich Associates and built by W.E. O'Neil construction. The facility is managed by Centers L.L.C., a private company specializing in recreation center management.