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President Greiner, Nan Harvey and Bob Arkeilpane

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo softball field, originally referred to as the UB Softball Stadium, was renamed in a special ceremony following game one of a doubleheader between Buffalo and Akron on Saturday, May 3. The field was renamed in recognition of a monetary gift from Nan Harvey, UB Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. Harvey has made a bequest to the University at Buffalo athletics department for a minimum of $200,000, and in recognition of her future gift, the UB Softball Stadium was renamed Nan Harvey Field in her honor.

The press box sign at Nan Harvey Field

"Personally, I've never been more touched by a gesture in my life," said UB Director of Athletics Bob Arkeilpane, referring to Harvey's bequest . "For someone who has already given so much of her time, energy and enthusiasm to the University at Buffalo, this is the ultimate gift commitment. I don't know of anyone who is more committed to the success of UB athletics than Nan Harvey."

Harvey has been loyally serving the Bulls for almost 30 years - first as a student, then as a coach and now as an administrator - and she is well-known in softball circles both in Western New York and on a national level. Nan has excelled on the softball field as a player, a coach and an umpire, and her long and impressive list of accomplishments and honors include SUNYAC Coach of the Year,

Nan Harvey with members of the UB coaching staff

ASA Metro Buffalo Umpire of the Year, the International Softball Federation Umpire Certification for slow pitch competition and induction into the WNY Softball Hall of Fame, the Metro Buffalo ASA Hall of Fame and the National Indicator Fraternity of the Amateur Softball Hall of Fame.

Harvey was joined on the field by Arkeilpane, University at Buffalo president William R. Greiner and members of her family for the special ceremony. Her nephews unveiled a sign on the field's press box that bears her name, and her niece helped uncovered a stone and plaque that is permanently situated at one of the entrances to the field. Harvey then threw out the ceremonial first pitch for game two of the Buffalo-Akron doubleheader, the first official game played at Nan Harvey Field.

Nan Harvey

In a press release leading up to the event, Harvey stated, "The University at Buffalo has enriched my life on a daily basis and has given me opportunities to grow as a person and a professional. I am forever indebted to the coaches and professors who taught me, the administrators who guided me, and the peers and the students who supported me. To me, these people are the University at Buffalo and my gift represents my eternal gratitude to them and my contribution to ensuring that others who come after me may have the same wonderful experience that I have enjoyed at this outstanding institution. Having the softball field at the University at Buffalo bear my name uniquely combines two very special passions in my life."