Christian Brothers University and The Salvation Army share more than frontage on East Parkway and zip code 38104. With a common commitment to strengthening mind, body and spirit, both have more than hundred-year histories of growing positive leaders and productive citizens.
On February 19, they celebrate a new tie as CBU students become members of the Kroc Center Memphis. With the ringing of the CBU bell tower at 12:30 p.m., CBU students, faculty and staff will race through the balloon arch on Signagio Field to begin a 1k run/walk. Leading the race down East Parkway and across Central Avenue will be mascots, CBU Bucky and R.J. Kroc. Ending at the new facility, winners will be announced and students will be met by Kroc Center staff to register, tour and join. Competition will be fierce as CBU sororities and fraternities are vying to see who can recruit the most participants and win the free class being offered by the Kroc Center.
In this unique partnership of purpose and proximity, full time undergraduate students will be provided membership at the Kroc Center and a discount for all other registered undergraduate/graduate students and full-time faculty and staff will be available for individual membership. With a goal of providing outstanding fitness facilities for their students, CBU leadership implemented the benefits of a shared facility. Rather than duplicating efforts, they teamed up with the Kroc Center and created a win-win situation; CBU students gain access to cutting edge facilities, equipment and staff; the Kroc Center gains the regular attendance of outstanding role models for younger kids, an ongoing university presence, and ready relationships for camp counselors, internships and curriculum advisors.
“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with CBU with the opening of the Kroc Center,” says Captain Jonathan Rich, Salvation Army Area Commander. “Dr. Smarrelli and his team do so much for the community and we couldn’t be more excited to join forces in this way. The possibilities are endless!”
“Over the years, both CBU and the Salvation Army have been instrumental in improving the quality of life for Memphians through education and service,” noted CBU President Dr. John Smarrelli, Jr. “With the construction of the Kroc Center within walking distance from the CBU campus, I am confident that our new geographic proximity will help to create wonderful partnerships that will ultimately provide new opportunities to benefit the Memphis community.”
With a shared commitment to arts, education, recreation and worship, the two institutions have many additional ties. CBU graduates direct critical programs at The Salvation Army: Denardo Crawford, School of Engineering, is Interactive Systems Engineer for the Kroc’s unique AutoZone Challenge Center, and Sharon Cash, B.S. Applied Psychology, is Director of The Salvation Army Renewal Place. CBU students are bell ringers for Red Kettles at Christmas and President Dr. John Smarrelli is a valued member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board.
This new partnership between The Salvation Army and CBU promises more positive results for the City of Memphis.
