University of Connecticut Athletics
From The Crowd: UConn Basketball Champions Center Dedication
10/21/2014 12:00:00 AM | UConn Club
Each year, donors and fans from across the world pack stadiums and arenas to support and cheer for the UConn Huskies. These individuals all share one thing in common: a love for UConn. To each and every person who supports UConn Athletics, we say thank you! You play a vital role in the success of our student-athletes both athletically and academically.
To learn more about what makes UConn so special, we caught up with a few of our donors during at the recent dedication of the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center to ask them why they have decided to support the Huskies.
Ray Allen
"I am overwhelmed and a bit envious of the new Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center. There are a lot of franchises in the NBA that do not have a facility as nice as this for their players to enjoy. Having a place like this will do wonders for UConn as we build for the future and pay homage to those who came before. UConn is very special. There is no place in America quite like it."
Mark Shenkman '65 & '07, Greenwich, Conn.
"UConn is a very special place. It's where I learned the skills necessary to be successful in life. Seeing the University grow has been absolutely amazing. We have a beautiful campus, our academic buildings are first class, and our athletic facilities are among the best in the nation. As a member of the UConn Foundation Board of Directors for nearly a decade, I remember when we first discussed this project. Being here today for the dedication of the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center is amazing. I am very proud to be a Husky, and I am incredibly proud of what the University has accomplished."
Coleman Levy, '61, '62, & '66, West Hartford, Conn.
"When I graduated from University of Connecticut, we were a member of the Yankee Conference and our basketball games were played inside Greer Field House. Being here for the dedication of the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center is a milestone for UConn, as it truly showcases the level of excellence that this University aspires to perform at both athletically and academically. The success of our athletic programs has provided us with an opportunity to transform UConn into one the nation's premiere research institution. As an alum, witnessing this type of transformation has been surreal."
Tim Arborio '79 & Suzanne Arborio '80 & '84, Wethersfield, Conn.
"Seeing the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center being dedicated is a great accomplishment for the University. Through the years, UConn has provided us with so many great memories. We first met while we were in school here together. Since graduating, we have been loyal season ticket holders to UConn basketball. As our children grew up, it was a real treat bringing them to campus and taking them to games. Everywhere we go, people from around the world know UConn. We are very proud to say we are a part of this University. "
Paul Young, Rocky Hill, Conn.
"It's a wonderful feeling being here for the dedication of the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center. This event is another re-enforcement of the wonderful family that we have here at UConn. I was fortunate to be on campus when we first opened Gampel Pavilion 25 years ago. Seeing how UConn has continued to progress and advance during this time has been heartwarming. Our student-athletes were special when we first opened Gampel, and they continue to be tremendous kids today as dedicate the Champions Center. Being part of the UConn family has been very rewarding. I can honestly say UConn has given back more to me, than I could ever dream of doing for it."
