Archive: Around Town

An artificial turf playing field along with lighting and facility upgrades will benefit multiple Wells Express athletic programs.

Aurora, New York— The Wells College Board of Trustees has announced a $2 million investment in a series of campus improvements and upgrades to facilities and technology as well as the addition of two intercollegiate sports. This includes construction of an artificial turf field on campus, which will immediately benefit Wells' athletic teams in both women's and men's sports.

"Investments such as these undergird our commitment to our students and their scholarship," said Carrie Bolton '92, Chair of Wells' Board of Trustees.

The artificial turf playing surface—along with new lights and a press box—will provide men's and women's soccer, men's and women's lacrosse, field hockey, baseball and softball a championship-level facility for practice and competition. The all-weather surface, to be built using environmentally-responsible materials and practices, will contribute to an exciting game day atmosphere for fans and a nationally-competitive experience for student-athletes.

After a brief hiatus, Wells will reinstate softball as a varsity sport, and baseball will be introduced as the College's 16th athletic offering. These Wells teams will have the advantage of one of the few artificial turf baseball and softball fields in Upstate New York, and the field's lights will allow Wells to add night games to athletic schedules. It is expected that other student life activities and intramural programming will also benefit from the field's construction.

In addition, the College will move forward with significant enhancements to teaching technology. Specific additions and upgrades will be determined as the College takes into account the most essential needs as identified by the faculty.

"Our faculty members know what they need to improve the classroom experience, which might be different even from department to department. Their input is crucial to making these improvements. When we invest in co-curricular and curricular, all students benefit," noted Provost and Dean Cindy Speaker.

Director of Athletics Michael Lindberg adds: "The addition of a state-of-the-art, lighted turf athletic facility will not only provide us with a competitive advantage on the field, but sends a strong message to our recruits, current students and alumnae/i that Wells College is committed to excellence in its future."

"Taken together, these are critical and prudent investments," said President Tom de Witt, "not just in terms of the added value to the physical campus, but the increased opportunities for students."

These projects, proposed and initially implemented by retiring interim President Thomas de Witt, will be taken up and finished under the direction of incoming President Jonathan Gibralter.

"These are wonderful investments, and I look forward to seeing them through to fruition," said incoming President Jonathan Gibralter.

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