In recent years the University has celebrated the naming and renaming of several major facilities on campus. The David A. Beckerman Recreation Center was built and named; the Psychology Building was renovated and renamed the Bartels Student Activity Center; the football stadium was rebuilt and named Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium; New Hall was rededicated as Bergami Hall; the student health center was expanded and updated and became the Alexander W. Nicholson Jr. Health Center; and the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science building was dedicated as “John and Leona Gehring Hall” to show our appreciation for their generosity.
In each instance, these buildings were dedicated in honor of individuals who made significant contributions to the University through service and major philanthropic donations. These contributions directly benefit students in the form of scholarships, new labs and classrooms, outstanding faculty hires and state-of-the-art residential, co-curricular and health care facilities. We honor those individuals by naming these facilities for them or their family members. These names are now permanent, replacing the temporary “placeholder” names such as New Hall, Soundview and North Hall.
On campuses across America, buildings bear the names of individuals and families who have made similar contributions to benefit students. Private institutions, in particular, cannot thrive without such philanthropic investments. This tradition has been in place for more than three centuries.
I appreciate students’ concern regarding these changes. Objections have been voiced on Facebook and in the pages of the Charger Bulletin. At the same time, many students have applauded our donors for their important contributions to the University and recognize that name changes represent something positive for UNH. Many have attended dedication ceremonies honoring the donors, and I am most grateful to those students.
Let me respond by suggesting that as the University continues to evolve and mature, many more buildings, scholarships, endowed professorships, classrooms and student facilities will bear the names of people who believe in—and invest in—UNH’s mission. Our new residence hall, which has yet to be named, likely will someday be renamed in someone’s honor. That will mean yet another transformative gift has been given in support of our students, and I look forward to that day.
I thank students for sharing their thoughts and concerns. Please know that every decision the University makes is predicated on our bottom line – to provide the best UNH experience for all the students we serve.
