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Jun 30, 2008

BOB AND EVELINE ROBERTS PLEDGE TWO MILLION-DOLLAR GIFT TO MIT ATHLETICS

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - A new and generous gift from the parents of an MIT student-athlete will change the landscape for outdoor competition in the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER). Bob and Eveline Roberts, whose daughter, Julia, is a member of the Class of 2010 and a midfielder on the women's soccer team, have pledged two million dollars for the installation of synthetic grass turf in Henry G. Steinbrenner '27 Stadium.

The Roberts' gift will have an immediate impact on the outdoor field space at MIT. The Institute sponsors the broadest intercollegiate athletics program in the nation with 41 sports while also servicing large programs in club sports, recreation and physical education. The gift will greatly enhance MIT's outdoor field space and make Steinbrenner Stadium a true showcase for MIT and DAPER events.

"The generosity of the Roberts family in support of the installation of a new surface and upgrade to our outdoor facilities can not be overstated," said DAPER Department Head and Director of Athletics Julie Soriero. "Our students and student-athletes can proudly practice and compete in a first-rate facility. This is a transformational gift that benefits the entire MIT community. We are truly grateful and excited about seeing this project completed for our teams competing in the Fall of 2008."

Together with MIT's state-of-the-art facilities at the Al '51 and Barrie Zesiger Center, a resurfaced Steinbrenner Stadium will generate enthusiasm surrounding the Institute's competitive venues. In addition, as the Institute continues to develop the Vassar Street area, Steinbrenner Stadium will become even more important to the MIT community.

"I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Bob and Eveline for their magnificent pledge and gift," noted MIT President Susan Hockfield. "This much-needed upgrade is an important Institutional priority, but we could not have begun to take action without the Roberts' thoughtful generosity. Simply put, this gift will transform our campus and community, and will inspire our alumni and friends to help us provide our exceptional students with resources that are commensurate with their potential as future leaders."

In addition to the installation of grass turf, the Roberts' gift could also spark the next phase of the Steinbrenner Stadium renovation which includes lighting, seating and a new press box.