Wyant Foundation commits $1 million to Adelbert Gym renovation at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University has received a $1 million commitment from the Wyant Foundation to support the renovation of Adelbert Gym, one of the university’s most historic campus landmarks. The newly renovated facility’s atrium—a central, welcoming space connecting students, athletes and the broader campus community—will be named in honor of the Wyant family and their generosity.

The gift honors the legacy of the late James C. Wyant, PhD (CIT ’65, HON ’23), a distinguished alumnus, hall-of-fame student-athlete and former chair of the university’s Board of Trustees. Wyant, who passed away in 2023, was a transformative campus figure whose impact spanned athletics, academics and philanthropy. His wife, Tammy Wyant, and his son, Clair Wyant, said the opportunity to support Adelbert Gym deeply aligned with Jim’s values and his lifelong connection to the university.

“Honoring Jim’s legacy in this way is deeply meaningful to our family because CWRU was not just a university he supported—it was his alma mater and a place that helped shape the course of his life,” Tammy Wyant said. “His experiences there, both academically and through athletics, influenced the values he carried forward: discipline, resilience, integrity and loyalty to community.”

The Wyant Foundation’s commitment is part of a larger effort to transform Adelbert Gym into DiSanto Arena. When the renovated facility reopens in the spring of 2027, it will serve as the primary home for men’s and women’s varsity basketball while also supporting campus recreation and community programming. Planned enhancements include an expanded concourse and mezzanine, new locker rooms, upgraded seating capacity, a new lobby and entry tower designed to improve access and connectivity.

“There are so many reminders of Jim Wyant throughout our campus—the Wyant Athletic and Wellness Center, the Frederick Reines Professorship and the James C. Wyant Professorship in Engineering,” said Case Western Reserve University President Eric W. Kaler. “The Wyant Atrium is a beautifully fitting way to pay tribute to Jim Wyant, a man so many of us deeply respected. We truly appreciate Tammy and Clair and the Wyant Foundation for continuing to support the people, programs and projects at CWRU that positively impact our campus community.”

Restoring a landmark for future generations of Spartans

Opened in 1888 and expanded in 1918, Adelbert Gym is among the oldest buildings still in active use at Case Western Reserve. The renovation project reflects the university’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while investing in spaces that meet the evolving needs of today’s students. For the Wyant family, supporting this moment of renewal was especially meaningful. 

“This project feels like a powerful intersection of honoring tradition and investing in the future,” Tammy Wyant said. “Adelbert Gym has long been part of the fabric of student life at CWRU. Renovating it signals that the university values both its history and the evolving needs of today’s students.”

A standout feature of the project is the new atrium, which will serve as a connective hub and gathering place within the arena. Designed as more than a passageway, the space will foster interaction—visually integrating elements of the original structure into the new addition.

“We hope students feel welcomed, inspired and connected,” Clair Wyant said. “An atrium is more than a physical entry point—it sets the tone for what happens inside. We hope students feel pride in being part of a community that honors those who came before them while fully supporting who they are becoming.”

Athletics as a catalyst for growth

Jim Wyant’s belief in the transformative power of athletics was rooted in his own experience as a student-athlete and later as a dedicated supporter of CWRU Athletics. He viewed sports as a vehicle for personal growth, leadership and connection—values that continue to guide the family’s philanthropy.

“Jim believed athletics were about much more than competition,” Tammy Wyant said. “He saw sports as a proving ground for discipline, accountability and collaboration—lessons that extend far beyond the playing field or court. By supporting Adelbert Gym, we hope to strengthen the environment where those lessons naturally unfold.”

Looking ahead, the Wyant family hopes the space will quietly inspire future generations.

“We hope students take away the message that commitment matters—commitment to one another, to excellence and to community,” Clair Wyant said. “If this space reminds them that generosity and engagement can strengthen an entire campus, then it has fulfilled its purpose.”