Lima couple donates $1.7 million toward BGSU athletic facility

 
BOWLING GREEN -- For more than 50 years, Allen Schmidthorst has been quietly sitting in the stands enjoying Bowling Green State University basketball. During tonight's (Sept. 5) "Dinner at The Doyt" Falcon Club event, Schmidthorst will offer his thanks for decades of sports entertainment by presenting a $1.7 million gift for athletic facilities.
 
His gift will fund the Schmidthorst Pavilion, which will house the team and practice area at the Stroh Center, the $36 million convocation center that currently is in the planning stages. Of the $36 million estimated cost, the University will raise at least $14 million in private funds, such as the Schmidthorst gift.
 
Schmidthorst, a hotel, restaurant and real estate management entrepreneur from Lima, is a devout Falcon basketball fan. When he heard about the Stroh Center project, the former BGSU student knew that is where he wanted to make a difference.
 
"I've been following BGSU basketball for decades. Carol and I are excited to be a part of the Stroh Center, especially knowing the impact it will have on our teams and the entire University," Schmidthorst said.
 
He and his wife, Carol, own AWS Properties in Lima, a business that provides comprehensive services for office, retail and leisure properties. They have been involved in numerous hotel and motel projects in the region, including the Hampton Inn near the new Bass Pro in Wood County.

Bowling Green Athletics Director Greg Christopher praised the Schmidthorsts for supporting the Stroh Center project. "Allen's time at BGSU helped set a foundation for his future business success. Bowling Green is a special place for Allen and now he is helping reshape campus through his passion for Falcon basketball.
 
"The Schmidthorst Pavilion will provide a quality practice space for our teams. We know that top-quality facilities help attract top-quality students and athletes," Christopher said. "This is important to BGSU as we work to enhance our athletic programs."
 
"We are honored that Allen and Carol have chosen to support this project," said J. Douglas Smith, vice president for University advancement. "Their gift is significant as we prepare to wrap up the Building Dreams Centennial Campaign at the end of this year. They have stepped forward to help, not only the athletics program, but the University community."

The Stroh Center will replace Anderson Arena. It is being named after a Wapakoneta couple.

On April 30, Kermit and Mary Lu Stroh, of Wapakoneta, made an  $8 million donation to Bowling Green., the single biggest from a private donor in the school's history.