By Nate West
News Assignment Editor
Funding for the construction of the new athletic fields is underway, thanks to one generous alumni.
Tom Marra, ’80, and his wife Michelle donated $1 million to help fund the $3 million project. Steve Watson, director of athletics at St. Bonaventure, said the university was very grateful for the support.
“Tom and Michelle’s generosity to St. Bonaventure University, and in particular to the Athletics Department, is incredible,” Watson said in a press release. “The Marras’ commitment will provide the main impetus to the field project fundraising, which is critical not only to athletics, but to the university as a whole. They have made a significant impact for future Bonnies student-athletes who will reap the benefits. We are grateful for Tom and Michelle’s support for so many years.”
The Marras donated $900,000 to develop the university’s field-turf baseball complex, six years ago. Marra’s two donations are the two largest ever to the Department of Athletics, according to Tom Missel.
“Michelle and I are thrilled to give back to St. Bonaventure University,” Marra said in a Nov. 29 university press release. “Athletics have been a huge part of my life and college career. It’s very important to us to ensure quality athletic facilities and operating support for our student-athletes and coaches.
Marra is a former third basemen for the Bonnies.
Included in “Your Teams – Our Extraordinary Future”, the name of the strategic athletic plan, is new artificial turf, seating and media facilities on both sides of the lacrosse/soccer field and softball field. The three-field complex will be named for the Marra’s.
“We hope this gift will assist in strengthening our position in the Atlantic 10 and the NCAA, as well as inspiring other alumni and friends of the university to help us reach our goal,” Marra said.
The $3 million athletics field complex is one of the first projects in the aproposed $18.8 million athletics facility upgrade at the university, according to the press release.
Marra, now president and CEO of Symetra, was a university trustee from 2003 to 2012, according to the same press release.
“(The Marra’s) have made a significant impact for future Bonnies student-athletes who will reap the benefits. We are grateful for Tom and Michelle’s support for so many years,” Watson said.
westnl11@bonaventure.edu
