SB Athletics Named After Kenneth P. LaValle
Jeffrey Javidfar
Statesman Editor
As legislators and other VIPS gathered at midfield, Stony Brook University President Shirley Strum Kenny described Senator LaValle as the impetus behind the stadium project, which dates back to the early nineties, and thanked the Senator for his efforts in bringing this project to fruition
"Senator LaValle was instrumental in bringing this stadium to Stony Brook," Kenny said.
The stadium dedication was the centerpiece of Stony Brook's homecoming weekend that started with a parade on Friday, Oct. 18, and continued with three hours of pre-game celebration.
Richard Nasti, Chair of the Stony Brook Council and a SBU alumnus, reminisced about his own days at Stony Brook and gave his perspective on how far Stony Brook athletics has come. ?When I was here [in the late seventies] we didn?t have Division I football?we didn?t have Division III football?we had club football.?
LaValle, who was accompanied by his family onto the field, expressed his gratitude for the honor and likened the day to a second birthday.
"This is a tremendous honor for me and for my family," LaValle said. "It is also a powerful recognition of my work and my dedication to education and to the community. The stadium will be a great addition to the University, the community, Suffolk County and Long Island."
The 8,136-seat stadium is the largest outdoor athletic facility in Suffolk County and is home to SBU's football, lacrosse and soccer teams. It was designed by Richard Dattner Architect P.C. and built by Tyree Construction Company using moneys from the SUNY Construction Fund.
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, (R-C-I, Port Jefferson) was first elected to the New York State Senate in 1976. He was the former Executive Director of the Senate Education Committee, and has an extensive background in public education. In addition to his standing committee assignments, Senator LaValle is Chairman of the Senate Majority Conference and chairs the Higher Education Committee. It was his latter leadership position that helped him push the stadium project through.
"Judging by the first two football games played here, and by the enormous community interest and support we have received, this stadium promises to become a premier destination for Long Island families,? Kenny said. ?It is a fitting sports venue for Division I teams, and it is needed at Stony Brook University."
