Edgewood College Secures Site for Athletics & Wellness Campus

Madison, Wis. (September 7, 2022) – Edgewood College is pleased to announce the acquisition of property in Fitchburg, Wis. that will become the new home for Eagle athletics, student recreation and wellness, and more. The site is formerly a part of the O’Brien family farm; the family identified Edgewood College as their choice of next owner of the farmland, which covers forty acres. 

“We are deeply grateful to the O’Brien family for their partnership and for their steadfast commitment to the community of Fitchburg, and to their vision for the students of Edgewood College for generations to come,” President Andrew Manion, said. “Our vision for this wonderful resource aligns with our mission, the needs of the students we serve, and our call to continue to be good stewards of the gifts that have been shared through generations.” Initial plans for the property, which have been approved by Fitchburg and Dane County, include the restoration of native wetlands, which will become a learning laboratory for future students. 

The O’Brien Family, through a spokesperson, said their vision that Edgewood College take on the stewardship of the property for the benefit of both future students, and for the greater community, has been a dream long in the making.

Margaret O’Brien, O.P., ’70, MA ’94, is a cousin who has visited the farm and her extended family over the course of generations. A longtime member of the faculty of Edgewood College who is now retired, Sr. Margaret offered this blessing for the occasion:  

“Gracious God, never did I dream I would be back on this soil with my love for Edgewood College as a close companion.  Today is truly a day to recall and instill the Dominican values of Truth, Justice, Compassion, Community and Partnership.  May this facility be a safe place, with understanding and acceptance of all races and religions. May this land which has given birth to many crops continue to give new ways of growth in the field of athletics, health and wellness and education.  May it be a place of discovery where the clay of souls created in the image of our God emerge for all that is yet to come to birth. May this land shelter and enrich many new lives. May students, athletes, faculty, staff, and many others come here to find a new facility filled with energy and the pursuit of lifetime dreams. May it be a continued place of rest and peace. Amen.”  

(Photo, l. to r., Andrew Manion, President, Edgewood College; Jeffery O’Brien, Dave Herbst, City of Fitchburg; Pat O’Brien, Tom O’Brien, Julia Arata-Fratta, City of Fitchburg; Al Brisack, Director of Athletics/Head Baseball Coach, Edgewood College; Tom Clauder, former Mayor of Fitchburg; Jim Wheeler, City of Fitchburg. Edgewood College photo.)

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