The Hawk

Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: Sports

Many of the distinguished members of the Saint Joseph's community turned out for the groundbreaking ceremony. Pictured from left, Paul J. Hondros, '70, Phil Martelli, Michael J. Hagan, '85, Timothy Lannon, S.J., Michael J. McNulty, '85, Cindy Griffin, '91, and Don DiJulia.

Oct. 6 was a monumental day in the history of Saint Joseph's University, as a cast of local leaders, corporate professionals, and University personnel gathered on Hawk Hill to break ground for the new Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse.

The day's proceedings began with a lunch held on Finnesey Courts for the event's VIP's, including members of the Department of Athletics, the Board of Trustees, members of the men's and women's basketball teams, and the University's many distinguished guests. Among the speakers at the luncheon were Don DiJulia, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics, Cindy Griffin, women's head basketball coach, and Paul J. Hondras, '70, chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Also in attendance were United States Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa), University trustee Michael McNulty, '85, Ellen Ryan, Associate Director of Athletics, and James J. Maguire, '58, Chairman of Philadelphia Insurance Companies.

After the catered event, the crowd moved to the Fieldhouse for the groundbreaking. Additional speeches were given by U. S. Representative Robert Brady (D-Pa), women's basketball player Jenna Loschiavo, '09, men's basketball coach Phil Martelli, and University President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J.

The final speech was a moving and emotional one delivered by Michael J. Hagan, '85, whose name will grace the new basketball arena. Hagan, the chairman and CEO of Horsham, Pa. based NutriSystems, Inc., and his wife, Denise, provided the lead gift of $10 million to launch the project.

The project, set to begin immediately, will entail three phases. The first phase, scheduled to be completed by late 2008, involves the construction of a state-of-the-art facility behind the current location of the Fieldhouse. The 20,000-square foot complex will be the new home for the men's and women's basketball programs.

The second phase involves the relocation of other athletic offices to the newly-acquired . Maguire Campus. Finally, the renovations will culminate with an overhaul of the Fieldhouse, to be renamed the Michael J. Hagan Arena, which will expand its capacity by approximately 1,000 seats and include a new, full-service concourse.

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