Stewart's donates $75k to SUNY Adirondack athletics project

$5.7 million project includes turf playing field, expands community opportunities

QUEENSBURY, New York (May 25, 2022) — Stewart's Shops and The Dake Family, a fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, on Tuesday presented SUNY Adirondack with $75,000 for the college’s athletics facilities renovation project.

“The Dake Family Foundation and Stewart’s Shops are among the college’s most generous corporate donors and, once again, they have lent their generous support to the college and our community,” said Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., president of SUNY Adirondack. “Their commitment to the communities they serve is unsurpassed and greatly appreciated.”

The donation funds replacing the college’s playing fields with a turf surface, part of a plan approved by the Board of Trustees in 2019, but delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, the board approved contractors begin work on the complex, which will help extend the playing season for sports including soccer, baseball, lacrosse and softball, and allow the region to attract tournaments during the off-season, bringing tourists to the region. 

“Having a state-of-the-art turf facility improves the training and competition experiences for our current Timberwolves, and helps our coaches attract and recruit high-caliber student-athletes,” said Zach Schwan, director of Athletics at the college. 

The project is the latest in a series of renovations targeting SUNY Adirondack’s athletics facilities. In early 2020, the college repaired the roof of the Gymnasium and replaced the basketball court. In 2021, a large room adjacent to the gym was repurposed and now boasts a workout facility for the college’s athletes, including batting cages, and equipment for strength and cross training.

According to Stewart’s Shops Foundation President Susan Dake, “Stewart’s Shops is committed to sharing with all our shops’ communities. This turf field will help to attract athletes to SUNY Adirondack and improve the aesthetic of the campus. This donation is an important part of our commitment to the communities we serve.”

Dan Cook, manager of the Bay Road Stewart’s Shop; Sheri McGarr, Stewart’s district manager; and members of Stewart’s staff and marketing team presented a ceremonial check to Duffy; Schwan; Rachael Hunsinger Patten, the college’s chief advancement officer and executive director of SUNY Adirondack Foundation; and Marc Morin, director of Facilities at the college.

The $5.7 million project, which includes dugouts, bleachers, a press box and a scoreboard, is also supported by SUNY Adirondack Foundation; the state; Adirondack Housing Association, which owns and operates the college’s Residence Hall; Faculty Student Association; and through donations.

There are still opportunities available for naming-right donations. To learn more or make a donation, please contact SUNY Adirondack Foundation at 518-743-2243 or foundation@sunyacc.edu.

Stewart’s Shops and The Dake Family, a fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, is the college’s largest corporate sponsor, giving just less than $400,000 to various college efforts, including the Reach New Heights campaign, the Regional Higher Education Center, and helping provide access scholarships for community youth participating in SUNY Adirondack’s Summer Enrichment Program, among other efforts.