Groundbreaking Ceremony for Rivier University Athletics Pavilion
Rivier University broke ground on the construction of an Athletics Pavilion and renovations to Raider Diamond, enhancements that will transform the game-day experience for Raider student-athletes and fans.
From left to right – Joanne Merrill, Athletics Director; Dianne Mercier, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM, Rivier’s President; Megan Hamel ‘19, Women’s Soccer Team Captain; Collin Deyarmin ‘20, Men Soccer Team Captain; Kurt Stimeling, Vice President for Student Affairs
View the Groundbreaking Ceremony photo gallery.
Rivier University broke ground on the construction of an Athletics Pavilion and renovations to Raider Diamond, enhancements that will transform the game-day experience for Raider student-athletes and fans. Members of Rivier’s Board of Trustees, administration, athletics coaches, and students donned construction hats and joined Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM, Rivier’s President, in digging the first shovelfuls of earth at the Pavilion construction site.
“This is an exceptional day for Rivier and Raider Athletics,” said Sister Paula. “The new facilities will contribute to the growth of the University and transform the student experience in many ways, ultimately raising Rivier’s level of play in athletic competition, recruitment, and community engagement.”
The ceremony at Raider Field on Wednesday included a blessing by Chaplain Brother Paul Demers and remarks by Sister Paula, Vice President for Student Affairs Kurt Stimeling, Director of Athletics Joanne Merrill, and Rivier Women’s Soccer Team Captain Megan Hamel ’19.
The Athletics Pavilion will provide stadium seating, team rooms, and conference space for pre- and post-game gatherings, a training room, locker rooms, and a press box with an enhanced sound system. A renovation of Raider Diamond will complete the outdoor facilities, adding seating, a press box, team dugouts, and field lighting for nighttime play.
These facilities will support the University’s NCAA Division III athletic programs for soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and softball and are anticipated to be completed by late spring 2019. They will provide an updated venue for the many community groups that utilize University fields and fitness center facilities for a variety of sporting events, summer camps, and the city’s youth of all ages through the Boys and Girls Club, Nashua Youth Baseball/Softball, and local schools including Bishop Guertin, Lowell Catholic, and more.
“The new Athletics Pavilion and Raider Diamond upgrades show the commitment Rivier has to the student-athletes and all that they bring to campus life, and will support greater student engagement and teamwork.” said Joanne Merrill. “The new and renovated facilities will also expand athletic resources and strengthen our connections within the Greater Nashua community.”
Concurrent with construction of the Athletics Pavilion and recognizing the need for talented and trained management professionals, Rivier is launching a new Bachelor of Science in Sport Management for fall 2019. In additional to the exceptional opportunities for internships in the region, the new Raider facilities will provide experiential opportunities in game day and facility management for Rivier students.