WAYNE - Wayne State College athletics will benefit from a $1.8 million donation announced by the Gardner Foundation.

The donation was announced Thursday at the Wayne State Foundation Annual Scholarship Luncheon at the Kanter Student Center. The school says it is the largest single scholarship gift in the history of Wayne State College.

The $1.8 million gift includes $300,000 in one-time money for the conversion of the school's Natatorium into an Indoor Athletic Complex. $1.5 million will also be used for scholarships, including $925,000 for athletics and another $150,000 for athletic operations.

The Gardner Foundation has provided financial support for both Wayne State's athletic teams and the Wayne State Foundation's general fund in the past. That support has helped fund the Memorial Stadium press box project, along with improvements to Wayne State's athletic fields and weight training facilities.