Associated Press - September 29, 2009 5:45 PM ET

CRETE, Neb. (AP) - Doane College is set to honor two Omaha-area men and their families for their combined $9.5 million contribution toward a new gymnasium and fitness center on the Crete campus.

Doane's new recreation and athletic center is expected to open next August. Construction on the $13 million project is under way. When complete, the two-level, nearly 64,000-square-foot building will include a gymnasium for volleyball and basketball competition that seats 1,200. It also will have a fitness center for Doane and area communities, several classrooms and office space.

George and the late Sally Haddix contributed a total of $7 million to the project. Richard and Wanda Gibson donated $2.5 million.

A ceremony Thursday will unveil the center's new name.

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Doane College: http://www.doane.edu/

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