Dana Reinhardt knows first-hand how a college advisor can change a life.  Before graduating from the College of Business in 1975, he asked then-university placement director Col. Phillip Sprawls for career advice.

     “I told him I was thinking of going into banking, financial management or insurance,” said Reinhardt.  “The Col. said, ‘Go into insurance—you can have your own business.’”

     He took the advice immediately and 32 years later, Reinhardt remains a successful owner of his own insurance agency in Louisville.

     That’s one reason he and his wife Susan decided to fund the creation of the new Reinhardt Academic Center, a renovated 3,000 sq. ft. showcase facility for the college’s team of undergraduate advisors.  The center was dedicated February 27.

      “It used to be a place you rushed into and out of,” said finance major Paige Baittcher, who spoke at ceremony. “Now it’s a place where you can really take advantage of the cool people who are there to help you.”

     “We wanted to make a gift that would keep on giving,” Reinhardt told the assembled guests. “And that includes teaching students that when you’ve made a success for yourself, you give something back. We’re hoping for a domino effect.”

     Located in the South Wing of the Atrium Level, the new center includes 12 offices for advisors, a conference room, reception area, student work stations, and a workroom and storage area. The space previously was used for office, vending and food service.

     “Once in a while we get to do some really nice things here at the college,” Dean Charlie Moyer told the crowd. “And this is one of them.  We went from a ‘homey’ center to one that’s first class.”

     A $375,000 gift from the Reinhardts made the center possible, and although it’s been open only a few weeks, the change has been dramatic, according to Allie Goatley, the college’s assistant dean for advising services.

     “The difference is unbelievable,” she said. “Traffic is way up, and there’s an entirely different atmosphere here. Students feel welcome and comfortable.”

     Reinhardt wants the center to be a place that helps students succeed.  “That’s how it’s supposed to work,” he said.  “The college has been good to us—now it’s our turn.”