The University of Rochester's outdoor athletic facilities,
including Fauver Stadium, will undergo a significant renovation and
expansion over the next several years. A lead gift from alumnus
Brian F. Prince made in honor of his parents, Richard J. and
Christine L. Prince, supports the multi-million-dollar project and
establishes the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex.
Initial construction is expected to begin this summer and will
include infrastructure and landscaping improvements to the Prince
Athletic Complex, which encompasses Fauver Stadium and the baseball
field area; the Lyman Outdoor Tennis Center; and the north field
practice area. New brick and rail fencing and pilasters will
outline the complex and heighten its visual appeal. Future phases
include the construction of two new additions at either end of
Fauver Stadium for much needed locker rooms and equipment storage,
as well as renovations to Fauver's interior and an expanded press
box.
"Brian is a passionate alumnus and supporter of the University
with a strong sense of dedication to our student-athletes," said
University President Joel Seligman. "We are tremendously grateful
to him for his gift, which will benefit our student-athletes, as
well as our entire University community, with modern and attractive
upgrades to our outdoor athletic facilities."
Prince is president and chief executive officer of ORIX USA
Corporation. He graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in
optics in 1986, and received an MBA from the Simon Business School
in 1989. Born and raised in the Rochester area, he was recruited to
the University's men's soccer program in 1982, where he served as
team captain. Prince was able to attend the University with the
assistance of an alumni scholarship.
"I believe that athletics, whether varsity, intramural or
recreational, are an important component of University life,
providing a unique opportunity for all members of the University
community to experience and enjoy the benefits of intense
competition, teamwork, leadership, and sacrifice," said Prince. "I
am therefore pleased to support the University's continued
tradition of exemplary commitment to the educational value of
athletics."
"I am deeply grateful to Brian for his leadership in making this
project possible," said director of Athletics and Recreation George
VanderZwaag. "We have established and maintained a trajectory of
program success since the renovation of our indoor facilities in
2000. This is the next critical step as it gives us significant
opportunities for continued program development."
The first phase of the project—the fencing along Wilson
Boulevard and name recognition at the northeast and northwest
corners of the complex—is expected to be complete by October
2014.
Prince's longstanding philanthropy can be seen across the
University. In 2003, he established the Prince Family Endowment for
Men's Soccer in appreciation of his experiences and leadership
opportunities as a student-athlete at the University. Prince has
also made a generous commitment to create the Prince Family Open
Society Fund, which promotes democratic principles and open
markets. Other areas he has supported include the Mary M. Parkes
Asthma Center, the Eastman School of Music, the Alpha Delta Phi
fraternity, the Jeremy L. Glick Scholarship Fund, and fellowships
and research at the Simon Business School.