Leonard J. Kaplan Center for Wellness

The Department of Recreation & Wellness is committed to UNC Greensboro’s vision of making a difference in the lives of our students and campus community. It is our belief that in everything we do, WE STRENGTHEN SPARTANS. In order to meet the unique and diverse needs of our students and members, Recreation & Wellness has evolved into a place where you can reflect deeper, play harder, grow stronger, explore farther, accomplish more, and enjoy life. But this was only the beginning. Over the next several months, we will redefine the wellness and recreation experience at UNC Greensboro. Welcome to the Leonard J. Kaplan Center for Wellness.

Learn about the project

The Leonard J. Kaplan Center for Wellness will be more than twice the size of the Student Recreation Center. Featuring the concepts of Universal Design, it will be useable to the greatest extent possible by everyone regardless of age or ability. We will have enhanced capacity to accommodate high-demand activities such as cardiovascular fitness, group fitness, free weights, weight machines, and informal recreation. In addition to providing enhanced activity spaces, this new facility will serve as a gathering and event space for student organizations and learning space for academic classes.

In addition to these features, patrons will find family changing rooms and gender-inclusive restrooms throughout the facility.

About Leonard J. Kaplan / Toleo Foundation

Leonard Kaplan is remembered by many for his generosity and selflessness. He grew up in High Point and attended UNC-Chapel Hill, but was forced to leave when his father became ill and Leonard needed to return home to run the family’s janitorial supply company. While running the family business, Leonard completed his degree at High Point University and, after serving in the Army during the Korean War, built Kay Chemical Company into a worldwide supplier of cleaning products.

In addition to his success as a businessman, Leonard—along with his wife Tobee—made an indelible mark on the community through their extraordinary record of philanthropy and leadership. Together they established the Kaplan Family Foundation (later renamed the Toleo Foundation). The Foundation has been active in furthering the causes of education, health, social services, and community improvement. The Kaplans led the effort to establish the Moses Cone Cardiac Unit, were instrumental in building a new home for the Women’s Resource Center, and have been tireless supporters of Greensboro Urban Ministry, the United Way, and Habitat for Humanity

Asked about her decision to make this gift, Tobee Kaplan said, “Leonard was a humble man, and putting his name on a building isn’t something he would ordinarily have done, but he truly believed that it was our responsibility to make a better world for the next generation and I think he would have been proud to be associated with UNCG’s efforts to promote mental and physical wellness.”

Location

In keeping with the University’s plans for the future, the Leonard J. Kaplan Center for Wellness will be constructed as part of the Village Development Project on West Gate City Boulevard. This area includes the new Spartan Village residence halls and the new UNC Greensboro police station. Construction began in 2014, and will open in the Fall of 2016.

Please visit this site often for news and updates about the Leonard J. Kaplan Center for Wellness!