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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
UJ Dedicates New Stadium
As a part of Homecoming weekend, on Friday, October 8, University of Jamestown held its Charlotte and Gordon Hansen Stadium Dedication Ceremony. Attendees sat in the bleachers of the stadium, looking over the new turf field and track. Ten speakers, including University of Jamestown staff, major donors and a UJ student, spoke about what the new stadium means for the community.
“My parents would be so proud of the community, the University, and the school district for pulling together to create this fabulous venue.” –Dr. Jo Ida Hansen, lead donor
President Dr. Polly Peterson opened the event, emphasizing how the new stadium represents a beautiful outcome of what is possible when community members work together. “This is a gift to this community, to the University, to our students most importantly, to the high school students who will play here, to the visitors that we welcome here, to the athletes at UJ whose lives get transformed when they say yes to becoming a Jimmie. This is incredible,” she said. In total, 287 donors gave to the project, with 87 of those donors giving $10K or more. Brett Moser, VP for Development and Alumni Relations, commented on the donors who made this project a reality, saying, “As I reflect on the history of gifts and giving, I believe three things happened. Those three things are: One: courage. Two: partnerships. And three: lifestyles of generosity were displayed.” One common theme ran through all ten speeches. This project was possible because there was a need for it. The passion, dedication and commitment the high school and college students display required a better stadium. Dr. Peterson addressed the students that were in attendance: “You Blue Jays and you Jimmies up there, we want more for you. This was for you.”
When all of the speeches were complete, a ribbon cutting was held followed by a lunch in the Jim J. Johnson ’65 Plaza.
