Mon. U awarded $50K for multipurpose center WEST LONG BRANCH - Monmouth University was awarded $50,000 by OceanFirst Foundation of Toms River last month to support the construction of the new Multipurpose Activity Center. This marks the second payment of a three-year grant awarded by OceanFirst Foundation, according to a press release from Monmouth University. "Thank you to the OceanFirst Foundation for this generous grant," Monmouth University President Paul G. Gaffney II said in the release. "Its support of our community, including this university, is enlightened. "We are very grateful," he said. The new Multipurpose Activity Center will be located in the center of campus. The 152,400-square-foot facility will include a multipurpose gymnasium, a 200-meter, six-lane indoor track, university bookstore, Hall of Fame, locker rooms, educational and administrative areas, and varsity club and student fitness center. Construction is expected to take approximately 24 months and is planned to be complete in 2009. Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the nation to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. OceanFirst contributions to local charities continue to grow. In 2006, OceanFirst Foundation donated more than $2.5 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed more that $18.7 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include housing, health and wellness, improving the quality of life, and youth development. For more information, visit www.oceanfirstfdn.org.