June 1, 2005

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University began construction on a 6,000-square foot Student-Athlete Development Center on Tuesday morning. The new Center which will use the current External Affairs Administrative area, located off the Pritchard Gymnasium adjacent to the Sports Complex atrium, will accommodate up to 400 student-athletes in a space that will have a state-of-the-art computer lab, a study hall/multipurpose function room, a career resource/library area and a private tutor room.

"The Department of Athletics is striving to instill a sports culture at Stony Brook that values and espouses family, team, a winning attitude, class, pride, high expectations and high accountability," said Director of Atheltics Jim Fiore. "The Center will be the first step toward providing a positive, meaningful educational experience for all Stony Brook student-athletes."

Architectural firm Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK) is developing a comprehensive plan for the improvement of all Stony Brook athletic facilities. In addition to the Center, the Seawolves are currently renovating the LaValle Stadium football and lacrosse locker rooms and just completed the addition of new bleacher seating at the baseball/softball complex.

"With this plan, we hope to create a positive, proud environment. It will help us improve academic and athletic performance, and to achieve consistent competitive success," Fiore said.

The Center will include administrative offices for five academic advising staff. Alternate space for the current dance studio will be provided in the Sports Complex while the renovation takes place. The External Affairs administrative operations will be relocated to the existing Academic Advising office area.