Queens, NY - As friends, family and other members of the St.
John's community applauded, Eleanor and Donald Taffner officially
opened the Taffner Field House by cutting a red and white
ceremonial ribbon stretched across the front of the facility.
More than 150 guests watched from a tent erected in front of the
field house as the new facility was dedicated at 6 p.m. on
Thursday, September 8. Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President,
joined Chris Monasch, Athletic Director, and University trustees in
thanking the Taffners for making the facility possible. Norm
Roberts, Men’s Basketball Coach, and student athlete Andrea
Peterson also expressed the University’s gratitude.
A St. John’s trustee, Eleanor Taffner and her husband Donald, an
alumnus, beamed as their grandchildren dribbled a basketball across
the facility's gleaming practice courts. Next, St. John’s
basketball players Mercedes Dukes and Lamont Hamilton brought
Eleanor and Donald to the court. The two benefactors passed a ball
to the athletes, who shot the first baskets at the field house.
The Taffner Field House is part of a $23 million athletic and
student recreation enhancement project that includes the Belson
Stadium, the new student Fitness Center and various enhancements to
Carnesecca Arena. We invite you to view our photo
gallery of the dedication, which captures the excitement of
this new phase in St. John’s athletic history.