Q: This is not really a question but a comment. I would like to register my opposition to the decision to name the field after a large donor. It changes the whole tenor of the stadium and its presence as a memorial to great events in U.S. history. - asked by: Larry Di Rita, Class of '80 -
A: Larry, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium will always be just that. It's not uncommon in education, business or in the community at large to offer donors opportunities to commemorate or memorialize facilities through a gift. We talked long and hard about naming opportunities in the stadium, and the administration agreed that in order to achieve our goal of $40M for the renovation, it was critical that a lead gift be secured. Again, it doesn't change the name of the stadium; it simply identifies the field as a memorial to an alumnus of the Academy. I am certain you'll be very pleased when you attend a game this fall and see how the stadium has been memorialized even further. We'll have a number of plaques and tributes affixed to the arches, and it should be quite impressive. In addition, we're going to rededicate the stadium during the Homecoming game versus Delaware. When it's all finished, I'm hopeful that you'll feel good about an incredible tribute to our alumni, the Navy and the Marine Corps, and those who have served our country.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
