The Gene Polisseni Center Announcement

>>And welcome back to the Ritter. Gene Battaglia here along with John DiTulio. The Tigers leading 1-0. Johnny, a very exciting announcement here. >>It's coming in just a few minutes. Dr. Destler with an announcement that he wants a new ice arena here on campus. >>Let's go down to ice level and Dr. Destler. >>President Bill Destler: That campaign was initiated with a wonderful $1 million gift from alumnus Stephen Schultz who is in the house, I believe in the president's box. It was followed by a second $1 million gift from alumnus J.M. Allain and his company Trans Lux. And over the course of the last year we have raised over more than another $1 million with the support individual gifts including several gifts from individuals like our trustee Bruce Bates. >>[cheering] >>Today we step it up a notch. I am so pleased to announce that with the support of the Polisseni Family Foundation and long-time RIT supporter Tom Golisano - >>[cheering] >>We will be the recipients of a $4.5 million gift - >>[cheering] >>To help build our new arena. >>[cheering] >>With me is Wanda Polisseni, and Gary Polisseni, her son and his family is up in the president's box. >>[cheering] >>Tom Golisano unfortunately could not be here tonight, but when Tom was growing up, his best friend was Wanda's late husband Gene Polisseni. Gene was an icon in hockey circles in the Rochester area. He headed many efforts to build youth hockey and college hockey, and I think he was probably responsible for Tom Golisano buying the Sabres. So I am so pleased to tell you that our new arena, thanks to this $4.5 million gift from the Polisseni Family Foundation and Tom Golisano will be named the Gene Polisseni Center. >>[cheering] >>[music]