EAST LANSING, Mich. — In recognition of a $1 million gift from alumnus Ambassador Peter F. Secchia, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees voted unanimously Sept. 17 to approve the naming of the new softball facility Secchia Stadium.
The largest cash (outright) gift received by an MSU women’s intercollegiate sports program will go toward the construction of a new 1,100-seat facility located at Old College Field, which is scheduled to be completed for the 2011 season.
Secchia Stadium also will feature 120 chair-back seats, a new press box and sound system, and accessible seating, while brick accents on the outside of the stadium will architecturally match historic Jenison Field House, McLane Baseball Stadium, and the hitting and pitching facility. The total cost of construction is $2 million.
“This is a truly meaningful gift from Peter and Joan Secchia, for it signifies the worthiness of all of our intercollegiate programs at MSU,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. “We are so grateful for Peter’s and his family’s continued, outstanding leadership in support of the university.”
Chairman Emeritus of Universal Forest Products, Secchia is also a member of the Athletic Director’s Advisory Council. His volunteerism and contributions to Michigan State date back nearly 50 years.
Secchia recently provided the lead gift for the College of Human Medicine’s new headquarters in Grand Rapids, now known as the Secchia Center. Secchia also co-chaired the fundraising effort to construct the Smith Academic Center at MSU, the academic resource center utilized by MSU’s student-athletes.
“It is gifts like this that will help elevate our total program,” said MSU Director of Athletics Mark Hollis. “We are so appreciative of Peter and Joan helping add another jewel to the wonderful Old College Field complex. Peter has meant so much to the university and to the advancement of our intercollegiate athletics program.”
“This tremendous contribution is another great example of alumni giving back to the community that nurtured them,” said MSU head coach Jacquie Joseph, who is beginning her 18th year at the helm of the Spartan softball program.
“This signifies one family's commitment to the entire Spartan athletic family. We are so grateful to the Secchia family for putting their trust in our program and supporting the vision of the women's softball program. It is truly a dream come true for all past Spartan softball alumnae, current players and for all those players who will follow in the future. As one member of a family prospers, so does the entire family. Our program will work hard to honor this gift and represent all Spartans with pride.”
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