Jersey City, N.J. – October 30, 2018 – Saint Peter’s University today announced that it has received a grant of $150,000 from Investors Foundation, a foundation created by Investors Bank in 2005 to support the communities that the Bank serves. The grant will help to expand and improve athletic and recreational facilities at the University.
The Victor R. Yantelli, S.J., Recreational Life Center (RLC) is Saint Peter’s hub for the University’s Division I athletic program and recreational activities. The space, which has been largely unmodified since its 1975 construction, currently serves more than 3,500 students, alumni, members of the Jersey City community and local youth programs. Enrollment at Saint Peter’s has increased more than 20 percent in the past five years, which has put a strain on this aging facility.
The University remains committed to its athletic program and as a result has developed plans to invest in this space to better serve its student-athletes, the growing intramurals program and the community as a whole. The plans include renovations and upgrades that will create a world-class modern facility. The Investors Foundation grant will support these initiatives.
“We believe an investment in the RLC will stimulate quality enrollment, increase student retention, engage the community and raise the University’s profile,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University. “We are incredibly grateful to Investors Foundation for the continued support of our mission and the recognition of the value of this space for the University community and beyond.”
“As an alumnus, I have very strong ties to Saint Peter’s University,” said Investors Foundation President Bob Cashill ’64. “The Foundation’s grant will help strengthen the University, which serves a diverse and motivated student body. Each year, more than 50 percent of the undergraduates become the first members of their family to graduate from college. We are honored to provide the resources and assistance that helps support Saint Peter’s dedication to educating, inspiring and shaping the character of our next generations of leaders.”
“The current Foundation grant continues the long and mutually-beneficial relationship between our community-focused organization and Saint Peter’s University,” said Kevin Cummings, CEO and chairman of Investors Bank. “As the project moves ahead, students, faculty and alumni will use the modern facilities for intercollegiate athletics, fitness and recreation. The University also opens the gym to its neighbors and this connection enriches both the University and Jersey City’s families.”
Long-term plans for the renovated facility include a modernized basketball arena, a new permanent roof field house with a multi-purpose floor for all activities, fully renovated locker and fitness rooms, a sports medicine area, modern training rooms and a more fan-friendly first floor in the building.
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About Saint Peter’s University
Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, please visit www.saintpeters.edu.
About Investors Bank
Investors Bank, headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey, is a full-service community bank that has been serving customers since 1926. With over $25 billion in assets and a network of more than 150 retail branches, Investors Bank delivers personalized services and products tailored to the needs of its customers. Investors Bank’s services include complete deposit, loan and cash management products for consumers and businesses. Investors Bank. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.
About the Investors Foundation
Investors Bank created the Investors Foundation in 2005 to support the communities Investors Bank serves. Investors Foundation supports initiatives in the arts, youth development, health and human services, education and affordable housing. Investors Foundation works to improve the lives of its customers and neighbors. For more information, please visit https://www.myinvestorsbank.com/Community/Investors-Foundation.
Media Contact
Angeline Boyer
aboyer1@saintpeters.edu
(201) 761-6238