David Gubbels arrived at Union Adventist University in June of 2025 to serve full-time as the recreational facility director. As a project 40 years in the making, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the launch of Reiner Wellness Center in August of 2024, and he wants to ensure that the excitement does not fade. With an ever growing list of goals and initiatives, Gubbels continues to breathe life into Union’s on-campus health and fitness center and foster the facility into a welcome part of Union’s campus.

“I’ve spent many years in sales and service, whether it’s retail or outside sales, and taking care of grounds,” Gubbels said. “This is really a job where you’re building relationships.”

There are a number of material upgrades to the technology, layout and equipment of the building that Gubbels is striving to implement. He and his team are currently working to set up new software which will streamline the process of booking spaces, creating new memberships, and will allow students to make purchases using their student accounts. Not all of the facility got an overhaul in the expansion, and he is also seeking to raise money to refurbish and modernize the locker rooms with new lockers, flooring and showers. After listening to feedback from members of the facility, he plans to add swimsuit spinners and, of course, fix the hot tub as soon as possible.

Creating room for community

To incentivize more visitation from all students, he would like to make room for spaces where students can study, play boardgames, or simply relax.  This is in an effort to create a sense of fellowship at Reiner that doesn’t just revolve around fitness.

“It doesn’t have to be only athletics-driven,” Gubbels stated. “There are different activities we can host here to bring all students together.” Given that Reiner is the largest indoor open space on campus, he sees potential for many different functions ranging from Rook tournaments to SA and Residential Life receptions. 

Gubbels also aims to provide leadership opportunities for the student body. There are already examples of such initiatives in students working as personal trainers and teaching private swim lessons. Positions he would like to create include a student pool manager and head lifeguard. Gubbels happily receives feedback from customers via email or in-person conversations and is working diligently to listen and find solutions, even to small concerns. This is all because establishing a welcoming, family-like atmosphere is among his top priorities.

“The word I’d use to describe Union is community,” David Gubbels said. The university’s culture holds a special place in his heart: he grew up in Nebraska and attended Union. This is where he became an Adventist. He hopes his professional expertise can contribute to that legacy of ministry and enthusiasm, helping others to find their purpose and unlock their potential.

– by Seth Coe, a sophomore writing studies major from Colorado