Stony Brook, N.Y. - Dedication ceremonies for the Rita & Kurt Eppenstein Athletics Hall of Fame were held this morning on the campus of Stony Brook University. The dedication of the Hall was made possible by a gift from Stony Brook basketball alumnus Ted Eppenstein '68.

The naming of the Stony Brook University Athletics Hall of Fame is dedicated to the memory of Rita and Kurt Eppenstein, two quintessential New Yorkers whose lives serve as a higher lesson in ethics, character and perseverance, and who sacrificed much to enable their son to graduate from college and law school, and to enjoy the opportunities and experiences that flowed from their own American dream. Ted and his wife Madelaine are partners in the New York City law firm of Eppenstein and Eppenstein where their focus is security and commodities litigation.

Started in 1991, the Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of the Stony Brook University Arena. It currently holds the names of 46 individuals who have been enshrined in the Hall, including that of Ted Eppenstein, who was a member of the fourth class inducted into the Hall in 1994. Mr. Eppenstein was among the early basketball greats at Stony Brook, holding 14 school records when his playing career was finished including career scoring, points in a season and in a game. His name is still listed in the Stony Brook record books among the all time leaders in scoring average. An All-Metropolitan honorable mention selection as a player, Eppenstein was honored as a recipient of the Stony Brook University Distinguished Alumni Award in 1991.

"Our appreciation goes out to Ted and his family for their generous support of Stony Brook Athletics", said Director of Athletics Jim Fiore. "The naming of the Stony Brook Athletics Hall of Fame in honor of Ted's parents, Rita and Kurt Eppenstein, is a wonderful display of recognition for a family who supported and encouraged their son to aspire to great things as both a student and an athlete at Stony Brook. We are honored that one of our own has chosen to recognize his parents in this way and are honored that our Hall of Fame will now proudly bear their names".

In addition to comments made by Director of Athletics Jim Fiore, the Hall of Fame dedication ceremony was highlighted by speeches from President Shirley Strum Kenny, family friend Lester Garfinkle, former Stony Brook professor Thomas Mermall and Stony Brook Distinguished Professor of Sociology Norman Goodman. Herb Brown, former Stony Brook Men's Basketball coach and current Assistant with the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, also spoke in recognition of his former player Ted Eppenstein. Ted spoke on behalf of his wife Madelaine and children Rebecca and David who were also in attendance.