October 22, 2001

A 12,000 square-foot extension to the Alumni House, doubling its size and adding a new sports museum and an alumni library, will be dedicated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, as part of Homecoming festivities.

The three-story addition, built into the hill between the existing Alumni House and the Field House on Hillside Road and adjacent to the campus Visitors Center, is a symbol of the expanding role of the Alumni Association.

"Our alumni reside in every corner of the globe, but at their alma mater, this building is their home," says President Philip E. Austin. "We are delighted to welcome our former students back to campus and we hope they visit Alumni House often. The renovations make it a particularly inviting destination."

The J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum is named for Bob Donnelly, '41, a UConn sports legend in football and basketball and a retired attorney.

Although the museum will not be dedicated until Jan. 19, some items will be on display during the sneak preview period, Oct. 27 to Jan. 19.

The museum will document the history of UConn athletics since the turn of the 20th century and will include a basketball rotunda that will showcase men's and women's basketball, and a statue of UConn's Husky mascot.

"UConn's proud athletic history is a source of pride not only for our alumni but also for the entire state of Connecticut," says Lew Perkins, director of athletics. "We're pleased to have this new facility to share that history with the public."

Other features of the Alumni House are an entryway hall of fame to commemorate alumni volunteers, award winners, association presidents, and others representing a history of excellence.

There will be a library to showcase books written by alumni, yearbooks, and provide computers where alumni can log on to University and association websites, career information sites, and other UConn resources.

Karen A. Grava