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A groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 19 launched the $5.6 million overhaul of the track-and-field facility near the East Gym at ���غ��� with upgrades aimed at elevating the campus space to NCAA-level competition standards, transforming it to better reflect the excellence of the University and its student-athletes, and improving a valued community resource.

A significant investment from Visions Federal Credit Union is bringing the project to life. In recognition of Visions’ generosity, the University will name the space the Visions Federal Credit Union Track & Field Facility.

Additional campus resources to advance the infrastructure improvements include financial support from the University’s Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Athletics, as well as funding from New York state.

The improvements to the 30-year-old facility focus on completely replacing the existing track to meet NCAA regulations, renovating the long- and triple-jump event area and the pole vault area, adding lighting and safety improvements, installing a new multisport synthetic turf field at the track’s interior, updating the stands and scoreboard, and more.

“���غ��� is committed to providing its student-athletes and fans with the very best facilities in the America East,” President Harvey Stenger said. “We have a proud tradition of developing athletes who go on to compete at the national and international level, and the renovations to the track-and-field complex will further the University’s reputation as a leader in intercollegiate athletics. My thanks go to Visions Federal Credit Union CEO Ty Muse for inspiring this gift and for Visions’ support of ���غ��� athletics.”

“Men’s and women’s track-and-field teams make up ���غ���’s largest NCAA Division I cohort, with approximately 100 student-athletes,” Director of Athletics Eugene Marshall Jr. said. “The upgrades will aid ���غ��� in recruiting top athletes who combine their passion for sports with a desire for an exceptional education. And, with the majority of track-and-field student-athletes being in-state recruits, the economic and community impact is significant when their families and friends attend meets.”

“The track-and-field enhancements are part of a larger investment in campus recreation infrastructure that promotes well-being across the student body,” Vice President for Student Affairs Brian Rose said. “The track is also a resource for the broader community beyond campus, with area residents, community organizations and sports camps extensively using the facility.”

“Visions is proud to partner with the University on such a meaningful project that will benefit students and our local community,” said Ty Muse, LHD ’25, Visions CEO and ���غ��� Foundation vice chair. “It’s been an incredible opportunity for Visions to make both a University and community impact.”

“Visions’ support is deeply appreciated,” Vice President for Advancement David K. Whitmore said. “This generous gift builds on ���غ���’s strengths, and we are delighted to celebrate its promise. The University depends on strategic investments from visionary donors who share our commitment to providing an outstanding campus experience for our students.”