Our mission

The mission of the Reiner Wellness Center is to provide a fitness and aquatic facility with courteous, dependable and knowledgeable assistance for the improved health of our patrons, all for the glory of God.

Our history

The plans and financing for a health complex were voted on in January 1977. Architect Larry Enersen of Clark & Enersen was hired in January and the finances were approved in February of that year.

A construction contractor was hired and construction began in May of 1978. Construction was projected to be completed September 1979. In the summer of 1981, the pool opened for student use as well as for community swimming lessons.

In May 1981, the Union College Health Complex became officially known as the "Larson Lifestyle Center," named after a physician by the name of Dr. Ernest Larson, who gave generously for the completion of the complex. At the time, plans were in place for a second phase, but due a decline in enrollment in the mid-1980s, those plans were indefinitely put on hold. 

In 2024, the Union Adventist University finally completed phase two, more than 40 years later. The 40,000 square foot field house connects to the existing building and includes much larger weight and cardio rooms, indoor running track and new entrance. The pool has retained the Larson name, but the fitness center has been renamed the Reiner Wellness Center in honor of Rich and Lynnet Reiner, alumni who raised money and helped create the vision for the expansion. The renamed and expanded facility opened to the public on August 18, 2024.