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SPORTS

Pro golfer Allen Doyle gives $1.1 million to Norwich athletics

By Dana Harris
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

In August 2004, a 1971 Norwich graduate donated $1.1 million to the Norwich Athletic Department with the money earmarked for building a new enclosed connector between two athletic buildings, according to Athletic Director Tony Mariano.

Allen Doyle, who is now a professional golfer on the PGA Champions Tour, has donated funding for the construction of a new entrance to connect Andrews with the Kreitzberg Arena. It’s going to be formally known as “The Connector.”

Members of a building committee, between six and 12, have been, “... established to relook at the entire design of this addition to the athletic complex,” said Mariano.

David Whaley, vice president of institutional advancement, is responsible for donations and for working with the university president to chart how the gifts are to be used.

When Doyle’s gift arrives at the university and other funds are received during fundraisers, then the process of construction can begin.

According to the Norwich University website, Fred Haynes, vice-chairman of the board of trustees, said, “With this commitment, which the board of trustees has agreed to match, we will begin the planning for a new main entrance for the hockey arena and the gymnasium.”

Allen Doyle, who is a member of the Norwich University Athletic Hall of Fame, said at the banquet that he felt, “Blessed to be in a position to be able to do something like this. If you asked me why I did it, there [aren't] one or two reasons I can put my finger on. It just feels like the right thing to do.”

The year Allen became eligible to play on the Champions Tour, 2000-01, he celebrated his 30-year reunion and he won the Schwab Cup.

“He just felt that this was something he could give back to the school that gave him some of his best friends, great experience growing up, and a good start in life. It was his way of saying thanks,” Whaley said.

“Although Doyle announced his gift, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the check will be here tomorrow. Over the course of the next couple of years, the money will come in to the university, which we have agreed to match,” said Michael Kelley, vice president of student affairs and commandant of cadets.

“This project reinforces the university’s position that athletics are fundamental to the experience here at Norwich,” Kelley said.

There will be wheelchair access in the new connector. Improved access will make it easier for the disabled to watch Norwich sports.

“The project is very important, because it puts our money where our mouth is,” Kelley said. “We say that we believe athletics are important here at Norwich; this helps us to reinforce that.”

It is hoped that Doyle’s gift and the matching funds will encourage alumni and friends of Norwich to lend a hand to the project.

“Without his donation, we wouldn’t even be talking about building this addition to Andrews and the arena, probably for another 10 years, so it’s been a great turn and jump start,” Mariano said.

“It should be a positive impact in consolidating all of the programs and spaces, everything will be easier to maintain,” said Harold Mayhew, university architect and project manager.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, 158 Harmon Dr, Northfield, VT 05663. www.norwich.edu/guidon.