Friday, September 19, 2008

DeLand, Fla. - Before Stetson University had intercollegiate sports for women, Patricia Maxcy Wilson '47 played nearly every intramural sport she could. Years later, Wilson became a champion of Stetson's Division I athletics program as a member of the Board of Trustees.

In honor of her longtime support and advocacy of the university's athletics program, Stetson has officially named its award-winning softball complex "Patricia Wilson Field." Wilson was honored Sept. 18 during a dedication ceremony at the complex on campus.

"Patricia Wilson has been one of the most significant supporters of Stetson athletics in our history," said President Doug Lee. "She was a strong advocate during her years of service as a trustee, and a driving force in our commitment to achieve gender equity. Out of deep respect and gratitude, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the Women's Fastpitch Softball Field in her honor."

Trustee Emeritus Patricia Wilson and her husband Pat, also a Stetson alumnus, live in Lake Wales, where they own and operate a family business in citrus, cattle ranching, banking and development. The couple has for many years financially supported women's athletics scholarships, the baseball program and capital projects including the Wilson Athletic Center and Maxcy Hall at Stetson.

Patricia Wilson served on the university's Board of Trustees in the 1980s and 1990s. She was a key player in the development of Stetson’s athletics program as a positive activity for students and to promote the university in Florida and beyond, said Director of Athletics Jeff Altier.

The $1.9 million softball complex named in her honor was constructed as part of Stetson’s commitment to gender equity in athletics, Altier said. The complex has been named National Field of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association twice.