This fall, Fairfield unveiled a new Athletic Hall of Fame. Though it is a venue for recognizing the accomplishments of former athletes, the cost of the project may be what students will remember most.
The Hall of Fame, which is comprised of 17 plaques, was designed by Honorcraft Incorporated with input from the athletic department as well as Alumni Relations. The inspiration for the display came from Georgetown University’s Athletic Hall of Fame after members of the Fairfield community viewed it. Honorcraft could not say how much was spent on Fairfield’s project due to contractual obligiatons.
According to Janet Canepa ’82, director of alumni relations, the purchase of the display was a joint partnership between the alumni association and the university estimated to cost approximately $50,000. Brian McGuire, director of sports marketing and promotions at Georgetown quotes the school’s similar display cost at over $75,000. Although Fairfield’s display is far less intricate, it was still estimated to carry a hefty price tag.
Nicholas Segretario ’99, former assistant director of alumni relations, approached Honorcraft to see if the Massachusetts-based company could create something similar to Georgetown’s Hall of Fame.
The president of Honorcraft, Jim Rapoport a parent of a FU senior, was very familiar with Georgetown’s Hall of Fame and he knew his company could create a lasting memorial for Fairfield. After the agreement, sculptor Bob Shure created the bronze castings, which depict various sports.
Some students were flabbergasted to learn that the University would spend so much on such a project.
“I think it is a good idea and a good way to bring attention to Fairfield sports,” said Marc Hansel ’08. “But the cost seems excessive given the need for appropriate upperclassman housing and so many other needs.”
Others, including Matt Buffardi ’07, felt it was an appropriate way to recognize the accomplishments of Fairfield athletes.
“I think it is a nice tribute, and if it costs a lot, whatever. It sounds a bit steep, but those people worked very hard for it,” he said.
FUSA President Hutch Williams ’08 also feels that it is an important investment in school pride and spirit.
“It is in a central location and gives all a sense of pride when they walk by every day,” said Williams. “It was all right to have bulletin boards there [across from the bookstore], but it is much more fitting to have the Hall of Fame there to serve as a reminder of previous athletes.”
According to Fairfield Athletic Director Gene Doris, the new Hall of Fame replaces one that had been in Alumni Hall.
“When we moved our athletic offices out of Alumni Hall and made the Arena at Harbor Yard our primary basketball venue, a new home was sought for the Athletic Hall of Fame,” Doris said. “When that was taken down we utilized a mobile version, which is at our Arena games and in the off-season is on the second hall of the Walsh Athletic Center.”
This year’s unveiling of the Athletic Hall of Fame coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Athletic Hall of Fame.
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