MNU


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Baseball stadium naming honors Dixon family Walter and Sharlyn Dixon’s belief in MNU shows in renovated facility


Anyone who’s been on campus a few times over the past


years has probably noticed at least some of the changes that have been ongoing at MNU’s Robbie Jones field and the grounds surrounding it. Since 2006, a four-phase improve- ment initiative has been in place, with much of the funding provided anonymously.


company started by Walter and Sharlyn over 39 years ago. The MNU connection is likely to continue for a long time,


too. Walter and Sharlyn Dixon also have six grandchildren, two of whom are current MNU students. Keith is a senior majoring in Organizational Leadership, and Debra is a sopho- more in Early Elementary Education. Kevin and Tobbi also have Kathryn, a sophomore in high school. She has al- ready decided to become a nursing major at MNU in 2012.


Although a grand opening of the Dixon Stadium was officially held because phases one through three have been completed, more baseball improvements are on the hori- zon. Phase four calls for MNU to have an indoor training facility.


“The Dixon Stadium naming is a fitting tribute to a family who has found a place and process of giving that fits them, and allows them to show their appreciation for MNU,” says Todd Garrett, director of development.


In phase one, President Ed Robinson, donor Sharlyn Dixon and MNU athletic director


Kevin Steele cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Dixon Stadium (right). Jane Jones (far left) watches the ribbon cutting. Robbie Jones Field at the stadium is named for her late son, Robbie.


On April 24, before a baseball game against rival Baker University, the question of who has been behind a majority of the efforts in the stadium transformation was re- vealed: Walter and Sharlyn Dixon, owners of Iowa Specialties, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.


The couple’s connection to MNU is through their sons Brad


(‘93) and Kevin (‘89) and Kevin’s wife, Tobbi (‘86), who are all three MNU alumni. Kevin and Tobbi are involved in the day-to-day operations of Iowa Specialties, a steel fabrication


the dugouts and backstops were renovated, with installation of a new net backstop, a low brick wall going from dug- out entrance to dugout entrance, and other modifi-


cations to the dugouts themselves. In phase two, the current grand entrance was constructed, which features brick columns and black wrought-iron fencing. In phase three, completed in January, a new 353 seat bleacher system was added, complete with a section of chair-back seats just below the press box located at the top of the bleachers.


Phase four, the indoor training facility, is currently in the planning and concept stage.


16 | Accent magazine | Summer 2010


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