St. Lawrence University has received two significant financial commitments that make plans to renovate historic Appleton Arena a reality. A $10 million gift from alumnus Tom Dolan ’74 and the Dolan Family Foundation has set the project in motion.

“I am very pleased to sponsor a grant from the Dolan Family Foundation to assist St. Lawrence in renovating Appleton Arena,” Dolan says. “I congratulate the University for producing a plan that assures Appleton will retain the charm of its historic personality while adding important 21st-century amenities.”

The renovation will enhance the appeal of the facility for both athletes and the fans, all the while preserving the charm of the iconic wood seating and the vaulted roof. For fans, improvements include a new entrance, widening concourses, expanding concessions, additional social spaces, and improving both broadcast and live streaming technologies. For student-athletes, improvements involve providing the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs with superior athletic facilities. The project also creates new features and locker room space for Saints’ NCAA Division III men and women’s lacrosse, field hockey, softball and the men and women’s rowing teams. The changes will also result in more wellness space for students, faculty and staff in the Stafford Fitness Center, located in the Newell Field House complex.

With the addition of a $1.5 million gift from the Torrey and MacAllaster families in memory of William A. (Bill) Torrey Sr. ’57, current fundraising for the project totals $11.5 million. “Appleton is a place that generations of Laurentians recall with fond memory, and these lead gifts will enable St. Lawrence to realize our vision for the future,” said University President William L. Fox ’75.

Last fall, the University established two groups to assist in the planning process. A Steering, Planning, and Oversight Committee consists of University Trustees and University senior leadership. A Campus User Group includes Charles W. Appleton II Head Men's Hockey Coach Mark Morris, Head Women’s Hockey Coach Chris Wells ’92, Associate Professor in Psychology and former college varsity hockey player Bill DeCoteau, Senior Associate Director of Athletics Randy LaBrake ’80, and Head Field Hockey Coach and Senior Women’s Administrator Fran Grembowicz. Tom O’Connor ’75 and Casey Peterson ’03, both former St. Lawrence hockey players, and recent Saints Hockey team members Hannah Miller ’18 and Joe Sullivan ’18, are also members of the group. Scott Lasky ’05 serves as a member-at-large.

The University has worked with global design firm HOK, one of the premier architectural companies for designing sports venues in North America, during the past year. Detailed project plans including construction timelines and costs will be finalized this fall. Construction will not impact home games for either of the hockey teams.

Additional fundraising for the project is being coordinated by University Advancement and Andy Whittier ’91, Principal Gifts Officer/Director of Athletic Development, who serves as the project liaison. For more information on naming opportunities and supporting the project, please contact Andy at awhittier@stlawu.edu or 315-229-5511.