(KLZA)-- Efforts are underway to raise $100,000 to complete the first phase of a fieldhouse renovation at Peru State College.

A ribbon cutting for a new football home locker room was held last Saturday, prior to the annual Blue and White Scrimmage. More than $40,000 has been contributed so far.  Another $60,000 is needed to complete the first phase of the renovation of the former Peru Elementary School and name if in honor of Jerry Joy.

Joy, from Stella is a 1964 graduate of Peru State.  He worked for the college for nearly 20 years as head football coach and as an administrator.

Joy did not know prior to the ribbon cutting that event organizers and members of his family had been working behind the scenes on the project.

Joys daughter, Cristy Joy shared the announcement with the large crowd gathered and revealed the effort to raise the rest of the needed money and name the locker room for Jerry Joy.

Anyone wishing to help complete the project and support the naming initiative can send contributions to the Peru State College Foundation, P.O. Box 10, Peru, 68421.

For more information you can contact the Peru State College Foundation.  

When Jerry Joy is not out supporting the Bobcats or working at Ayars and Ayars Architects or with American National University, spends a few Friday nights doing color commentary during high school football games on SUNNY 101.3 and on A.M. 1230, KTNC.