Half of the needed funding toward a $2 million renovation and expansion project at Harding University came in the form of a gift Thursday.
The university's Searcy campus will receive $1 million from Russellville couple Roy and Becky Reaves toward the Rhodes Field House revitalization effort that is set to begin in November.
Harding Chancellor David B. Burks, who worked with the couple to secure the funding, made the announcement.
Roy Reaves is a 1965 graduate of Harding with a degree in business administration and is currently serving his first term as chairman of Harding's board of trustees.
"Harding changed my life, and the transformation began in the Rhodes Field House," Roy Reaves said in a statement. "The Rhodes needs expanding and renovating now. Scheduling practice times and games for three teams is a nightmare. The teams need a practice court, new locker rooms and space to host special guests."
Harding President Bruce McLarty said the "generous gift" toward the Rhodes Field House makes the project possible.
The Rhodes Field House project will add 2,000 square feet to the building's entrance and a hospitality box on the second floor overlooking reserved seats on the structure's west side.
An 11,000-square-foot addition to the arena's west side will include a new practice facility and new basketball dressing rooms.