Ricchiuti Academic Center

Fresno State's Athletics Department held a ceremonial groundbreaking on March 4 for the Ricchiuti Academic Center and the expansion to the Duncan Building. The $5 million project is expected to be completed in October.

The Ricchiuti Academic Center will provide study tables, tutorial and computer labs, plus new coaching offices for the women's soccer team.

"It is with great pride I stand here today as we are breaking ground on a facility as important to our department as any we could build," said Athletics Director Scott Johnson said at the ceremony.

"The Ricchiuti Academic Center is going to benefit every single student-athlete on our campus for years to come. Our goal is simple -- to be the lead dog in the WAC. We have for many years been considered that on the field of play. We want to extend that and be the lead dog in the WAC academically. For the first time in our history, we have a facility to allow us to achieve that goal," Johnson said.

The Duncan Building expansion will include new coaching offices, team meeting rooms, a new Bulldog locker room and a theatre-style auditorium.

University President John D. Welty announced a significant gift from the Josephine Family of Fresno that will name the new auditorium the Joe Josephine Auditorium.

Harris Construction of Fresno is the contractor for the project, which will be adjacent to the current strength and condition center.