William Dillingham Pledges $500,000 Gift Commitment for Peden Stadium Enhancement and Expansion

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Editors: A photo of William Dillingham can be found at www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/DILLINGHAM_WILLIAM.JPG

ATHENS, Ohio (November 16, 2000) -- Ohio University alumnus William A. Dillingham has pledged a $500,000 gift commitment to the Peden Stadium enhancement and expansion project and will be recognized between the first and second quarters of Saturday's football game against Marshall University.

The Peden project will begin next week and will increase the stadium's seating capacity by 4,000, making it 24,000, with the installation of additional seats, a grass berm seating area in the south end zone and a band seating and stage area in the north end zone. Other enhancements include lowering and replacing the playing surface and removing the track from the stadium to bring the seats closer to the field.

Kermit Blosser, an Ohio University alumnus and Athletics staff member since 1946, will lead the project's ceremonial groundbreaking in the north end zone at halftime. He is the only living member of the 1929 Ohio University football team, which opened Peden Stadium with a 26-0 win over West Liberty State Normal.

Dillingham, president and director of Buckeye Business Products Inc. and president of Pubco, both in Cleveland, made the contribution as part of Ohio University's Bicentennial Campaign, announced Nov. 11. In the past, he has provided gift commitments to Athletics for the construction of Peden Tower, Bob Wren Stadium and the Dr. Steve and Kathy Carin Strength and Conditioning Center.

"I am very impressed with the administration in Athletics and the way they continue to improve their facilities and programs," Dillingham said. "I'm also impressed with the coaches and the quality of their programs and that is why I made this gift."

During this year's Alumni Association's Homecoming banquet, Dillingham was presented a Medal of Merit for his service and dedication to the university, and he is a past recipient of the Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award.

He is a member of the College of Business Executive Advisory Board and the Intercollegiate Athletics and College of Business Advancement boards and is a former member of the Ohio University Foundation and National Alumni Board.

Dillingham earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1971 and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity while a student. He resides in Shaker Heights, Ohio, with his wife, Barbara LaVine, and is active in the Cleveland Cancer Society, the Cleveland Jaycees, the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Cleveland Men's Club.

"Bill has been a longtime benefactor and friend of Ohio University and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics," said Thomas Boeh, Ohio University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "He is an accomplished businessman, a loyal alumnus and a great person. We are appreciative that he has continued to support Athletics and we are gratified that he has displayed such confidence in the department."

Other scheduled halftime ceremonies include recognizing the 1960 National Small College and MAC championship football team and other football and cheerleading alumni in attendance.