By Kiara Catanzaro
Staff Writer
Students and faculty will see a transformation in the Doyle Hall courtyard throughout the upcoming weeks.
The work is on a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, and the projected date of completion will be mid-May.
“Last fall, broken and worn brick pavement was removed from the courtyard,” said Tom Missel, Director of media relations and marketing. “Last Monday, repairs began in order to restore the space as an event venue as well as casual use for students and faculty on campus.”
Phil Winger, associate vice president for facilities, said the space will be fully renovated and will be wheelchair accessible.
“The renovated space, which will include accessibility for people with disabilities, will have concrete pavement and benches complemented by new trees and other plant life,” Winger said.
In addition to creating a place for students and faculty to enjoy, the restored courtyard will commemorate alumnus William C. Foster, ‘62.
“A member of St. Bonaventure University’s class of 1962 and Fordham Law School (’65), William C. Foster practiced law for 35 years, retiring in 2000 as senior associate counsel for Champion International,” Missel said. “He served on St. Bonaventure’s Board of Trustees from 2008 to his passing in 2010. He was married for more than 30 years to Daria Foster, managing partner of Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC.”
Aside from the couple’s prominent philanthropy, they gifted a scholarship to St. Bonaventure University four years ago.
“In 2009, the Fosters endowed a scholarship at the university in honor of their mothers, which is now valued at almost $2.7 million,” Missel said.
Daria Foster will be honored for her philanthropy during the May commencement of the William E. & Ann L. Swan Business Center.
“In January 2012, Daria Foster committed $2 million to St. Bonaventure’s School of Business Campaign in honor of her late husband,” Missel said. “She will be honored with an honorary degree at commencement in May.”
