Olivet will construct a new multipurpose events center thanks to the generosity of Dave Cutler, a 1965 Olivet alumnus. Cutler has contributed two donations totaling $4.3 million toward the $5.1 million facility. In recognition of his outstanding support of the college, Olivet will name the facility The Cutler Events Center. Construction is scheduled to begin in September.
Cutler has said his support of the center has been given in recognition of Olivet's 1961 football team. That year, he was the starting quarterback and led the Comets to one of their best overall records in school history at 8-1.
“Olivet College is very fortunate to have an alumnus such as Dave Cutler, who has taken on a tremendous responsibility by funding the majority of the events center,” said Olivet president Don Tuski. “This is truly a monumental gift that helps Olivet maintain a competitive edge with other colleges and universities. The entire Olivet College community is grateful for Dave Cutler's outstanding support through the years.”
The 44,500-square-foot multipurpose facility will be added on to the existing athletic building at the Cutler Athletic Complex. It will be used by the college and community for activities ranging from athletic events to commencement exercises, student events, guest speakers, concerts and conferences. The new facility will include a fitness center, 100-meter track, locker rooms, coaches' offices and wrestling room. Olivet's men's and women's basketball, volleyball and wrestling programs will use the facility for practices and competition. The college's 18 Division III athletic programs will use the center for offseason workouts and conditioning.
A native of DeWitt, Cutler is a noted software engineer and designer with Microsoft and holds more than 20 patents. After arriving at Microsoft in 1988, he launched the Windows NT group and has since led the development of three major releases of the product. In addition to leading the Windows 2000 team, Cutler contributed to the architecture of all parts of the system.