Holy Family University (HFU) held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new Athletic Fieldhouse on Jul. 11, as construction is set to begin on the University’s Northeast Philadelphia campus. The project is slated for completion in December 2024.

The new construction is the first major facility construction on the Northeast Philadelphia campus since 2005. The facility will dramatically upgrade the University’s athletic facilities and enhance the campus experience of student-athletes and fans alike. The Fieldhouse will provide much-needed locker rooms for home and visiting teams, officials, public restrooms for students, families, and fans, community space, game-day concession stands, and an athletic training room.

Ideally located between the Stevenson Lane Residence Hall and the Campus Center and in proximity to the Athletic Complex, this important addition also will benefit community residents who utilize the campus for learning, physical wellness, and socialization.

Dr. Anne Prisco was joined by HFU Chairman of the Board of Trustees Bill Mandia and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Jim Bennett, as well as a number of invited guests and current and former Holy Family coaches and student-athletes at the ceremony. Representatives Matt Darragh (Office of State Senator Jimmy Dillon), Gina Burns, Anna Parkinson (Office of State Representative Pat Gallagher), and Tom Forkin (Office of Councilman Mike Driscoll) also were on hand.

“In addition to thanking members of our Board of Trustees and Alumni Board, and so many staff who have come together to make this possible, we also would like to thank Senator Jimmy Dillon, Councilman Mike Driscoll, and State Representative Pat Gallagher,” Prisco said. “They provided a lot of the funding and support for this project. We could not have launched this project without them, and we are grateful for their commitment to the continued growth of Holy Family University.”

Other participants included Sister Loretta Theresa Felici ’79 (MMI), Sister Celine Warnilo ’74 (Secretary of the Board), Trustees Fred Leh ’03 and Pete Tantala, President Advisory Board Members Dorothy and Rich Chiarantona ’70 and Michelle Pickels ’01, M’11, Alumni Board Member Julie Bamberger-Hermann ’83 and former Alumni Board Member Paul Lukert ’97. 

Holy Family Student-Athletes participating in the groundbreaking included: Max Covely (Men’s Lacrosse, sophomore, Criminal Justice); Paige Affett (Women’s Lacrosse, senior, Early Education/Special Education); Gavin Rowan (Men’s Soccer, senior, Criminal Justice); Brynn Hess (Women’s Soccer, senior, Nursing); Mike McGerry (Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field, junior, Criminal Justice); Kelisa Beckett (Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field, freshman, Nursing); and Brooke Kakowski (Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field, freshman, Psychology).

“As an alumnus from so long ago, you can’t possibly know how proud I am of this institution today,” said Bennett. “It is gratifying to see all of these outstanding student-athletes who make their mark on the field, yes, but in the classroom too.  This fieldhouse will be a real hallmark for Holy Family University, and not for only Northeast Philadelphia because we are an institution for the greater Delaware Valley, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the tri-state area. We have students here from many states and many countries. We all are super proud.”

“Holy Family’s athletics program has expanded significantly over the years, and it has been my great pleasure to oversee this,” said Director of Athletic Tim Hamill ’04, M’08. “We now sponsor 18 teams and will welcome student-athletes in the fall, many of whom are Northeast Philadelphia born and raised. It means a great deal that our elected officials are willing to invest in their success. Our new fieldhouse will be an important addition to the Holy Family Athletics landscape. It will be outfitted to serve as a highly utilized hub and will allow us to provide necessary services, space, and access for our student-athletes, campus, and community.”

Learn more at Holy Family University, a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown. Founded in 1954, the University is informed by its values-driven mission. Holy Family embraces diversity and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming and accessible learning community for all. The University comprises four schools: Arts & Sciences, Business & Technology, Education, and Nursing & Health Sciences.