Outstanding alumnus provides lead gift for Hanner Fieldhouse renovation, honored by USG

February 25, 2019

The University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents recently honored E.G. Meybohm (’65) of Augusta, a former Georgia Southern University baseball and men’s basketball student-athlete, as the first Georgia Southern alumnus to receive its Hall of Fame Alumni and Friends Award.

Armstrong State University alumnus and Board of Regents Chair Don Waters (’75) and Georiga Southern alumnus E.G. Meybohm (’65)

Meybohm was one of five honorees who have been outstanding alumni supporters of USG institutions.

He was honored during the 15th annual Regents’ Scholarship Gala, hosted by the USG Foundation, which raised more than $900,000 to support and provide need-based scholarships for students at all 26 USG institutions. Governor Brian Kemp also presented former Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal with a lifetime achievement award for her contributions to public education and literacy in Georgia.

Former First Lady Sandra Deal

Meybohm and his wife, Lynn, responded by reinforcing their commitment to Georgia Southern by providing the lead gift in a campaign to renovate the W.S. Hanner Fieldhouse on the university’s Statesboro Campus.

“The tremendous success and growth of our men’s basketball program have drawn national attention that has increased the pride of our alumni and strengthened their connections to the university.  Lynn and I have been supporters and Eagle fans for decades, which makes the opportunity to make this kind of impact on a student-athlete’s experience even more special,” said E.G. Meybohm.

In addition to being longtime supporters of Eagle Athletics, the Meybohms are both alumni of Georgia Southern University with bachelor’s degrees in education.

During the initial phase of the Hanner renovations, the front entrance facing Fair Road will be expanded to include a new home for Athletics’ Hall of Fame celebrating all sports for public display, the relocation of concessions and expanded game day ticket offices. Additionally, the auxiliary gyms located within Hanner will be converted into practice facilities for both the basketball and volleyball programs. The second phase of renovations will focus on fan amenities and game day hospitality.

“The Meybohms’ gift is the first of its kind made to Georgia Southern University Athletics from a former student-athlete.  Lynn and E.G.’s leadership and vision for Hanner will not only impact athletics’ programming but the university as a whole. Renovations like this just don’t happen. It is through the support of our alumni and community that we are able to continue to provide the best experiences for our student-athletes, students, community members and campus guests.  Georgia Southern University is fortunate to have the Meybohms’ support,” said Tom Kleinlein, director of athletics.

The Hanner Fieldhouse is a shared facility between athletics and university programming. It is home to men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. In addition, health, physical education and professional studies utilize Hanner for classroom space and the Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, which includes the Biomechanics, Muscle Performance Exercise Physiology Laboratories. Construction is projected to start this summer.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 27,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.