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 multimillion-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.