Oct. 10, 2002
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Coral Gables, Fla (www.hurricanesports.com) - The University of Miami has announced that Texas Rangers All-Star shortstop and Miami resident Alex Rodriguez has made a $3.9 million contribution to the University.
The gift will be used to fund an annual scholarship, in perpetuity, at the University for a member of the Boys & Girls Club of America as well as to kick-off a stadium renovation campaign for the University's baseball team. In addition, Rodriguez, who as a High School senior had been accepted as a student at the University, announced his intention to enroll and get his degree.
"When I signed my contract with the Seattle Mariners in 1993, there was only one other possible decision I might have made," said Rodriguez. "I could have enrolled at Miami. I chose baseball first but I always expected - and promised my mother - I would one day enroll in the University and get my degree. That day has arrived.
"And to highlight the importance of a college education, I am thrilled to also fund a scholarship for a Boys & Girls Club member, and provide funds to begin the renovation of the ballpark," added Rodriguez.
"Alex Rodriguez is a wonderful friend of the University of Miami. Through this generous contribution, the University will continue to enhance the campus environment and our top-ranked baseball program," said University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala.
"Alex also understands the strong connection between sound minds and bodies, something we strive for at the University. His scholarship for the Boys & Girls Clubs combined with his enrollment at UM shows he is committed to athletics and academics," continued Shalala.
The lead gift to the stadium renovation campaign represents the largest contribution ever to the University of Miami baseball program. The University will name the newly renovated facility Alex Rodriguez Park upon its construction. The gift also officially kicks off the Athletic Department's phase of UM's fundraising campaign. The naming will serve as a daily reminder to all who visit the Park of the impact Rodriguez has had on his hometown.
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From l
to r: Paul Dee, Betty Amos, Jim Morris, Alex Rodriguez, Ron Fraser,
President Donna E. Shalala, Jim Langer and Patrick Nero.
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"Alex has always, in our mind, been a member of the University of Miami baseball family," said Head Baseball Coach Jim Morris. "Now we can say it officially and we are thrilled that he has given us the means to begin renovating this great ballpark. Too bad he can't play shortstop for us.
"Alex has really taken an increased interest in the University of Miami athletics program over the past few years," added Morris. "It wasn't too long ago that he signed a scholarship to play baseball here."
University of Miami athletic director Paul Dee says this gift will assist the program in continuing to develop first-class learning and training facilities.
"We are extremely pleased that Alex would make this terrific gift toward the improvement of our athletic facilities," said Athletic Director Paul Dee. "It is very important that we maintain a high-level of facilities and resources achieved through giving."
For more information on University of Miami athletics log on to its website www.hurricanesports.com, the official site for all Hurricane news, tickets, and apparel. For Hurricane ticket information call 1-800-GO CANES.
