Back in 2000 there was a Capital Campaign and a plan that funded the much needed renovation of AH into a bowl configuration, chairback seating, new locker rooms, lobby amenities and a new facade. As alumni we were informed about the Capital Campaign, it's goals and financial needs. The architectural drawings were on display in AH for all to see. However doing basically nothing with AH since then and the move to Bridgeport in 2001 is not a plan. If you continue to ignore the AH situation, it does not go away and the problem just gets worse and more expensive to fix. The last administration knew AH was a problem and the current administraion and trustees know it is a problem but nothing has been done and it does not appear that anything is going to be done in the near future or at least until Rafferty Stadium and the RecPlex addition/renovation are finished. Meanwhile the competition has more vision and is offering more to prospective students.
Interestingly about the University's Jesuit identity, a while ago I had asked FvA why Fairfield University doesn't brand itself as the "Jesuit University of Connecticut" as Fordham and St. Peter's do as the "Jesuit University of New York" and the "Jesuit University of New Jersey". He told me that they didn't want to appear too regional and wanted to appeal to all applicants.
Interestingly about the University's Jesuit identity, a while ago I had asked FvA why Fairfield University doesn't brand itself as the "Jesuit University of Connecticut" as Fordham and St. Peter's do as the "Jesuit University of New York" and the "Jesuit University of New Jersey". He told me that they didn't want to appear too regional and wanted to appeal to all applicants.
If he is so concerned about being perceived as a regional school, then why does he insist on remaining in the MAAC?!?! We all know the MAAC is perceived as a regional league full of mediocre schools. If we have no chance of upgrading to the more geographicalIy diverse and academically stronger CAA or A10, then I remain convinced that we are better off in the nationally and academically recognized Patriot League.
Just had an interesting conversation with some friends in the Construction business who are familiar with the Fairfield campus. They made some interesting points. One was that knocking down Alumni Hall would be simpler and less expensive than doing MAJOR renovations. Asbestos was one of the reasons mentioned. In addition, they stated that starting on an empty lot is preferable. When I mentioned building an Arena/RecPlex facility next to the Walsh center, they thought it was a decent idea but were unsure if there would be enough room.
What they suggested, IN A PERFECT WORLD was, leveling Alumni Hall and building an Arena/RecPlex that connected to the Barone Campus center. That way you'd have, from right to left, Barone, New RecPlex, new Alumni Hall. They also pointed out that the new Alumni entrance could also be worked around the pool, and leveling the existing Recplex and constructing a wraparound garage which would come out into the existing lot. Some "vision" from some people in the business.
Here is another example at Hope College (Divison III) in Holland, MI. Their DeVos Fieldhouse is a 3,400 seat basketball arena/athletic department facility built in 2005 for $22 million.
Hope College: Undergraduates - 3,325 Endowment - $134.2 million
Here is another idea, convert the current field house in the rec plex (currently used as a recreation venue) into the on campus arena, then gut the interior of alumin hall ((leave building standing) converting alumni hall into the recreation venue. Build the rec plex exansion in front of alumni hall and tie the entire thing together with a new entrance serving all venues.
Here is another example at Hope College (Divison III) in Holland, MI. Their DeVos Fieldhouse is a 3,400 seat basketball arena/athletic department facility built in 2005 for $22 million.
Hope College: Undergraduates - 3,325 Endowment - $134.2 million
Hope College has an ongoing $175 million comprehensive campaign "A Greater Hope":
Hope's New and Renovated Facilities
The college is committed to providing facilities that offer outstanding support for the learning, teaching and research that take place on campus.
The largest single fundraising effort in the college’s history, the $175 million A Greater Hope comprehensive campaign, which is currently underway, will benefit every student as it strengthens the college’s endowment, adds several new buildings, and supports immediate needs through the annual Hope Fund.
A successful completion to A Greater Hope will enhance the facilities needed to strengthen academic and student life, including the concert hall and music facility, student center, outdoor athletic improvements, art museum, and engineering addition.
While Fairfield does nothing with Alumni Hall, Iona has just announced an "expansion and reconfiguration" of their on campus 2,611 seat Hynes Athletic Center that was built in 1974. Joe Frager has it hard enough recruiting against Marist and Quinnipiac so now add Iona into the mix with this plan to upgrade their on campus facility. It does seem that the Christian Brothers in New Rochelle have a plan but more importantly a vision.
Endowment: Iona - $52.9 million Fairfield - $254 million
Iona Men's Basketball is #2 in the MAAC Standings and Iona Women's Basketball is #1 in the MAAC standings.
New Iona Athletics Arena Complex:
Expansion and reconfiguration of current Iona facilities for men’s and women’s basketball, as well as women’s volleyball, are needed to stay competitive with peer NCAA Division 1 institutions, to improve the student-athlete experience, and to elevate the experience for all fans attending events. A larger, more fan-inspired venue will also provide better multi-use facilities for non-athletic campus events such as major lectures, performances and campus gatherings. The new facility will include • An arena configuration, enhanced entrance, entertainment suites, and more convenient public restroom facilities, ticket office, concessions, apparel store, basketball offices, a strength and conditioning facility, and an academic center for athletes • Hall of Fame/donor lounge/entertainment area • Sports medicine facility, broadcast facilities, equipment room, locker rooms and storage
“This project will bring Iona into the top tier of our peer institutions in support of our students,” said Rick Cole Jr., Iona’s director of Athletics. “It transforms our entire athletics program and gives the College a first-class facility for other campus and community events.”
And I am sure that Iona Men's Basketball would give anything to have the availability of a facility like the WBA, reconfigured Hymes Center or not! Count your blessings.
So much focus on Alumni/Rec Plex, but our campus will have an incredible outdoor stadium in less then 2 years and Prep is doing a major addition by the Rec Plex. Good things are happening!
The opportunity to acquire the Ludlow HS property years back is one of the biggest blown opportunities in FU history. Moving Prep there, developing a big time grad school program there, or even a huge dual purpose arena would have been possible. Instead, Prep, like FU gets a small addition.
Here is another poor decision, this one on Father Kelly, that is selling the vacant property on the north side of the campus. All part of the short sighted decisions made by the admin. Yesterday, I was speaking to a Canisius alum, who indicating things are starting to change for the better at the buffalo school. Why? He attributed it to the schools first a non Jesuit president put in charge about 3 years ago.