The official dedication of the Greg & Linda (Ferry) Prechtl Office Suite took place Saturday during Homecoming 2017 festivities.
Located in Dods Hall, the Prechtl Suite contains the Department of Athletics and Recreation, including Mr. Prechtl's former office where he served as Director of Athletics since 1997. He retired from that post last May after 44 years of employment, including 23 seasons as head men's basketball coach. He is a member of the Fredonia graduating class of 1969.
Mrs. Prechtl, a Class of 1971 graduate, is a retired elementary school teacher and a long-time supporter of Blue Devil athletics, beginning as a varsity cheerleader during her undergraduate years. In addition, she coordinated halftime hospitality for the Blue Devil Booster Club which her husband began to support his team. It later grew to become a department-wide organization.
The couple has also assisted with the establishment of an endowment set up to aid Fredonia Blue Devil athletics and its teams for years to come.
Dr. Howard presented Mr. Prechtl with a framed original copy of the recommendation letter resulting in his first job at Fredonia written by former Vice President of Student Affairs Robert Coon.
A plaque placed outside the Precthl Suite was unveiled following a brunch and dedication ceremony in the Steele Hall Natatorium lobby earlier Saturday. Speakers during the event included Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services Cedric Howard, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services Daniel Tramuta and Interim Director of Athletics Megan Valentine. Mr. Tramuta and Kirk Krull, two former men's basketball players and co-captains for Mr. Prechtl, have spearheaded the endowment fundraising which has reached 85 percent of its $50,000 goal, and gifts can still be made online.
Three other of Mr. Prechtl's former basketball players spoke during Saturday's dedication. John Fischetti and Shaun Nelms attended the ceremony while Chris Hughey -- Fredonia's only men's basketball All-American -- recorded comments which were played following brunch.
Others in attendance included several of Mr. Prechtl's former players and family members.
