Summer 2004
NEWS
Dr.
Myrtle A. Merritt Athletic Center Named in Honor of Esteemed Emerita and
Benefactor
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Dr.
Myrtle A. Merritt
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Photo:
Ron Pretzer
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The College’s
Alumni Fieldhouse has been officially designated as the Dr. Myrtle A.
Merritt Athletic Center. The re-naming was approved by the SUNY Geneseo
College Council and the State University of New York Board of Trustees
earlier this year.
The fieldhouse will bear the name of Geneseo resident Myrt Merritt,
professor emerita of health, physical education and recreation, who served
the College with distinction as a faculty member and administrator for
thirty years. As a former department chair, she helped plan both Schrader
Gym and the Alumni Fieldhouse.
Merritt was a pioneer and champion of efforts to expand opportunities
for young women to participate in athletics. "She provided both vision
and encouragement for the growth of women’s athletics at the College,
and the young women who so well represent Geneseo in varsity athletics
today owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Myrt for paving the way,"
said President Christopher C. Dahl. "Myrt is one of those
exceptional individuals whose loyalty and commitment to the College know
no bounds and who has helped make Geneseo a very special place. Naming
the fieldhouse in recognition of her contributions to Geneseo is a most
appropriate and fitting tribute."
Since her retirement in 1982, Merritt has been one of Geneseo’s most
active volunteer leaders and generous benefactors. Among other gifts of
time and money, Merritt established an endowment for women’s athletics
and funded academic scholarships for many worthy students. "Myrt’s
remarkable and ongoing commitment to the College and Geneseo athletics
continues to enrich the lives of many students and colleagues," said
Marilyn Moore, director of athletics. "As a friend and mentor,
she is respected and admired for her knowledge and enthusiasm. As President
of the Blue Knights Roundtable booster club, Myrt gives unselfishly of
her time and support of intercollegiate athletics, and is by far our number
one fan and friend."
During her years at Geneseo, Merritt served as chair of the Department
of Physical Education and directed the women’s intramural program.
Highly respected by her professional colleagues, Merritt was elected to
leadership roles in numerous state, regional and national physical education
organizations throughout her career.
Merritt was the first recipient of the SUNY Geneseo Medal for Philanthropy
in 2002 and earned the Geneseo Foundation’s Meritorious Service Award
in 1992.
"Myrt is one of a handful of legendary faculty members who built
the foundation of today’s Geneseo and continues to be a shining example
to others of what leaving a legacy, giving back, and making a difference
really means," said Art Hatton, vice president for college
advancement and president of the Geneseo Foundation. "Naming the
physical space where she spent much of her life and dreamed so many dreams
in her honor means the world to Myrt – and to Geneseo."
The Alumni Fieldhouse contains the Ira S. Wilson Ice Arena, Louise Kuhl
Gymnasium, the Alumni Pool, a top-of-the-line fitness center, squash courts
and the offices of the athletic department staff. The facility was completed
in 1973.