DAYTON, Ohio - University of Dayton athletics has long been a national leader in NCAA academic performance metrics. With a 17-sport program that boasts a Graduation Success Rate of 94 percent and a cumulative grade point average over 3.20, the term “student-athlete” is not just a catchword at UD.

When Flyer student-athletes return to the University in August, they will have more tools at their disposal to help them maintain, if not improve upon, their academic performance. Extensive renovations have begun on the student-athlete academic center in the Frericks Center thanks to the generosity of Tony and Shelia Riggs.

The Anthony A. Riggs Academic Center will include a study area for the student-athletes, separate tutoring & meeting rooms, and technology support in an aesthetically pleasing environment.

"In the last three years, our student-athletes competed at levels higher than any other time in our history, but this success has not come at the expense of our academic performance," UD Vice-President and Director of Athletics Tim Wabler said. "Thanks to the generosity of a very special family, our student-athletes will be able to use this state-of-the-art facility for years to come."

With design and project approval in hand, construction work began on June 7, 2010. The center will be complete in August.