A Dedicated Space: The Chet Claire Student-Athlete Lounge

A Dedicated Space

By NATHAN LARICCIA | SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR

When Chet Claire and Hilda Stockhausen arrived at Westminster in the mid-1940s, they had no idea that they would meet, marry and—nearly 75 years later— be celebrated by the very place they would eventually call their alma mater.

Dedicated on Aug. 20, the Chet and Hilda Claire StudentAthlete Lounge, made possible by gifts from the Claire family, recognizes the alumni couple who kept Westminster and Titan

athletics in their lives long after their 1949 graduation.

Located in Memorial Field House, the state-of-the-art lounge is a place where Westminster studentathletes—who spend a considerable amount of time in the building—can gather to study, relax or socialize.

The high-tech space includes two flat screen televisions: one displays a continuous scrolling list of student-athletes who have earned top academic honors throughout school history, while the other can be used as a projection screen for students to see athletic department announcements, watch film or even collaborate on homework assignments.

The Claire family, top, at the dedication of the Chet and Hilda Claire Student-Athlete Lounge. Top right, Hilda and Chet Claire. At left, the Claire family cuts the ceremonial ribbon with President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson. Opposite page, from top clockwise: Mark Claire ’79; Eric Claire ’79 and nephew Lee Knight ’07; Melinda Claire Knight ’77 with Rob Klamut, granddaughter Cora and daughter-inlaw Erika; furnishings in the new lounge.

The lounge also offers ample outlets for students to recharge their electronic devices. The furniture, with prominently placed Titan logos, includes comfortable chairs and couches, a coffee table and a high-top table. The walls hold two large Titan logos with energy-efficient blue lights glowing proudly.

Adorned with photographs of past and present student-athletes, the space also celebrates Westminster athletics as well as the founders and history of the Towering Titan Organization (TTO). Led by the vision of Chet and Jerry Neff ’54, the TTO was founded in 1976 with the goal of maintaining, enhancing and endowing Westminster athletics. Since its inception TTO has raised millions of dollars to support Titan athletic programs.

“We are so appreciative of the Claire family for making this space possible,” said Westminster Director of Athletics Jim Dafler. “I really like that, in addition to this being a special place for our student-athletes, the space also tells the story of the TTO which has been so instrumental in enhancing the student-athlete experience at Westminster for over 40 years.”

Chet, who came to Westminster on a basketball scholarship, played under legendary coach Grover Washabaugh. He was a stalwart on the court, scoring more than 1,000 points in his career. In 1988, he was inducted into the Titan Sports Hall of Fame.

The Claires’ connection to Westminster is deep and reaches beyond athletics. Chet was a member of the Westminster Alumni Association, and together Chet and Hilda were consistent contributors to the College. Son Eric Claire ’74 married Karin Oberg ’74. Daughter Melinda Claire Knight ’77 served on Westminster’s Board of Trustees. Youngest son Mark Claire ’79, who was an All-American football player for the Titans under College Football Hall of Fame Head Coach Joe Fusco ’60, was a member of two national championship teams and was inducted into the Titan Sports Hall of Fame in 1987. Grandson Lee Knight ’07 was a four-year letterman on the swimming and diving team under Head Coach Rob Klamut.

Chet and Hilda, who passed away in 2011 and 2017, respectively, made their home in Tallmadge, Ohio, for more than 50 years.

“Westminster was a special place for my parents,” said son Mark. “Not only are we dedicating this space to my parents and our family, but we’re dedicating to all the people who live and work here, and most importantly to the future—the young people of Westminster College.”

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