2008 Woodie Awards
Letter: Losing more than a name
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
To the editor:
There is something that unnerves me each time I come across it in a newspaper article or published piece and that is the complete renaming of Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse. First, I applaud anyone who cares enough about Saint Joseph's University to donate any amount of money because I truly believe that we, as alumni, have a strong responsibility to our alma mater. My problem is with the renaming of a living memorial and tradition that has been a part of this University for 58 years. The Fieldhouse was named to honor the alumni who fought and died for our country in World War II. Aren't we taking something away from them by renaming it?
There is a chill each time the announcer cries out, "Welcome to Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse!" For me, at least, I feel as though part of that tradition will disappear with the abandonment of that name. It's the amazing victories and heart-breaking losses that made Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse so special. It's the very first game played here, a 62-46 loss to Rhode Island back in 1949, and my very last game as a student, a loss to UMass on March 3, 2007, that makes the Fieldhouse one of the most intense places to play, even though my examples are both losses.
It is the recognition of having one of the most defiant cheers in college sports that makes the Fieldhouse what it is. Yes, others may argue that it is the people who fill this place on those basketball nights that make the tradition of St. Joe's, but names bring past glories to our minds as well.
I fully understand that there are factors far greater than the name involved in the renovation of the Fieldhouse, but I felt the need to express a concern that's been bugging me since the news about it was first printed. Again, thank you to any and all alumni who have donated whether it is $20.07 or more. I know that nothing will be done, but to me, it will always be Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse.
Joshua J. Reda '07
There is something that unnerves me each time I come across it in a newspaper article or published piece and that is the complete renaming of Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse. First, I applaud anyone who cares enough about Saint Joseph's University to donate any amount of money because I truly believe that we, as alumni, have a strong responsibility to our alma mater. My problem is with the renaming of a living memorial and tradition that has been a part of this University for 58 years. The Fieldhouse was named to honor the alumni who fought and died for our country in World War II. Aren't we taking something away from them by renaming it?
There is a chill each time the announcer cries out, "Welcome to Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse!" For me, at least, I feel as though part of that tradition will disappear with the abandonment of that name. It's the amazing victories and heart-breaking losses that made Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse so special. It's the very first game played here, a 62-46 loss to Rhode Island back in 1949, and my very last game as a student, a loss to UMass on March 3, 2007, that makes the Fieldhouse one of the most intense places to play, even though my examples are both losses.
It is the recognition of having one of the most defiant cheers in college sports that makes the Fieldhouse what it is. Yes, others may argue that it is the people who fill this place on those basketball nights that make the tradition of St. Joe's, but names bring past glories to our minds as well.
I fully understand that there are factors far greater than the name involved in the renovation of the Fieldhouse, but I felt the need to express a concern that's been bugging me since the news about it was first printed. Again, thank you to any and all alumni who have donated whether it is $20.07 or more. I know that nothing will be done, but to me, it will always be Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse.
Joshua J. Reda '07
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