A Match(box) Made in Heaven

Swarthmore’s campus is widely regarded as being among the nation’s most beautiful, largely because of its plant life. But lately one of the most eye-pleasing campus scenes has been that of students, staff, and faculty making vigorous use of the College’s newest building, the Matchbox.

The 21,000-square-foot facility, which supports wellness, fitness, and theater activities, was dedicated Nov. 1 during Garnet Homecoming and Family Weekend. The Matchbox supports Garnet athletics by providing space for sport-specific training; the theater program via the Kuharski Theater Studio, named in honor of longtime chair of the theater department Allen Kuharski; and the College’s blossoming wellness program by providing ultramodern exercise equipment as well as space for activities such as yoga and Pilates.

Lead benefactors Salem Shuchman ’84, P’16 and Barbara Klock ’86, P’16 were recognized at the Nov. 1 dedication ceremony, as was David McElhinny ’75, whose company, Sigco Inc., donated the glass for the new structure. A plaque in the building recognizes those who contributed at least $25,000.  

Several dozen donors contributed to the outdoor Pete Hess Terrace, named in honor of the late Eleanor “Pete” Hess, longtime coach and mentor. It will be formally dedicated in June during Alumni Weekend.

At every turn, the building reinforces the College’s emphasis on sustainability, starting with its placement on the footprint and foundation of the former squash courts.