view . fall 2008
7
For Alumni Board of Directors
President Jeff Flacks, his board and
everyone associated with Windsor Alumni,
the rain was icing on the cake. Flacks
spoke to a group of Lancer supporters
at a pre-game celebration.
“Our investment complements the
students’ $2-million contribution for athletic
facilities,” said Flacks. “We are thrilled that
completion of this phase of the stadium
serves as a great source of encouragement
to our student athletes, coaches and Lancer
fans. It’s about pride in our Lancers.
“This stadium is a campus showcase.
It’s about pride in our university.”
Two years ago, the world’s eyes were
on the University of Windsor and our city,
as we played host to the Pan Am Junior
Championships. A few months ago, it
happened again with the 2008 Olympic
track and field trials. “These are most
awesome achievements,” said Flacks. “We
will continue to build on that momentum.
It’s about pride in our community.”
Track and Field Coach Dennis Fairall
was among the supporters in the crowd.
“With this field and our Mondo track – the
same track surface used in the past four
Olympics – we are positioned to bid to
host the Canadian Junior Track and Field
Championships. That would bring 700
potential recruits to the University and
thousands of coaches and fans to Windsor,”
Fairall said.
At the University of Windsor, having
a field available 16 hours a day for 10
months of the year, opens a wealth of
opportunity for students.
It is also a great resource for the
community, with many groups now able to
use the facility without fear of the weather
ruining their activity.
Joe Berthiaume, Director of Education
for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District
School Board, was at the celebration. The
Windsor-Essex Catholic board helped make
it possible to install the turf by ensuring
future income to the University through
a user agreement to rent the facility. That
agreement will provide $25,000 a year for
10 years for use of Alumni Field and the
St. Denis Centre facilities.
Berthiaume said that high school
football will be played on Alumni Field
and high school track meets held either
outdoors or indoors.
He said that the agreement was part of
being a good neighbour, with the University
able to use nearby athletic fields behind
Assumption High School, just south of the
University’s athletic complex.
“Many of our coaches and teachers
are alumni, and many of our coaches
train and volunteer with varsity teams,”
Berthiaume said. “We are partners in
athletics and education.”
Putting the financial decision on the
new field over the top was a personal gift of
$100,000 from Richard Peddie BComm ’70,
LLD ’01, president and CEO of Maple Leaf
Sports & Entertainment. Over the last five
years, Peddie has given some $275,000 to
the University. He said that his gift is not
only for athletics; it is for all students.
“In 1968, the first year of Lancer football,
my brother Tom played linebacker,” Peddie
said. “I did not have the talent to
play sports, but as a business student, I
decided to get involved in the business
side of the game. Now, I am president of
professional teams in hockey, basketball
and soccer, as well as broadcasting outlets
and sports venues.”
“I believe athletics promotes strong
academics,” said Peddie. “Student athletes
have higher than average entering grade
averages and graduate at a higher rate than
the overall student body,” he added.
Alumni Field is a great example of how
support of alumni and friends boosts the
University and our community.
“UWindsor taught me how
to learn, teach and research.
These tools have allowed me
to touch the lives of countless
patients and students. For this,
I am humbled, appreciative
and perpetually inspired.”
Dr. Cindy Hutnik, BSc, MD, PhD, FRCSC
Ophthalmologist, Ivey Eye Institute,
St. Joseph’s Hospital, London, Ont. Clinical
Researcher, Lawson Health Research Institute
INFLUENCE
STARTS HERE
At UWindsor, we’re taking responsibility
for the future. To learn more, just ask
our faculty, staff and alumni, and visit
CORRECTION:
The donor list in the summer edition of
VIEW
should have included the following:
We regret any inconvenience.
Governor’s Circle
Bruce and Nancy Elman
Dillon Club
Adele and Alfred Beitler
Legacy Circle
Caroline Margaret
Bradley
