Elmira, N.Y. - New donor investments are helping propel Elmira College forward, expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the campus community. In honor of two of these donor gifts, the EC Community gathered during the Men's Soccer game halftime on Saturday, October 17, to unveil the new names of the Campus Field and adjoining grandstands. 

"Today we honor our donors who have invested in our students, our campus, and this marvelous facility that has transformed our students' on-campus experience for NCAA competitions, team practices, as well as intramural and recreational sports," shared Dr. John F. Dolan, President of Elmira College. 

Those donors, alumna and Board of Trustee Whitney Posillico '63, and Jeff Kenefick, Regional President of Chemung Canal Trust Company, stood next to Dolan. 

The grandstands were formally named the Joseph D. Posillico, Jr. Grandstands, in honor of Posillico's late husband.   

"He was a kind and generous man who enjoyed sports of all kinds," she shared. "These grandstands will hold current and future generations of students, families, and visitors, which makes it a perfect place to honor his memory."

While very personal, Posillico's gift reflects the same commitment to the EC community as the gift from Chemung Canal Trust Company, which has a longstanding history with the College.

"When Elmira College approached us about this project, we knew it was a great idea because our local relationship goes back to the 1800s," shared Kenefick. "Chemung Canal Trust Company was founded on October 22, 1833, in Elmira. Elmira College enrolled its first 150 students in October of 1855. Here we are again, in October, in Elmira, celebrating another great collaboration between the Bank and the College," he added. 

"We are absolutely thrilled to be part of this important project that benefits the students of Elmira College and the community in which we all live," said Kenefick, acknowledging that the turf field increases opportunities for Elmira community members to enjoy a game or two throughout the year. 

Gifts like those from Chemung Canal and the Posillico family are making a difference for today's students while also helping to ensure EC's future. With investments like these, EC can provide valuable experiences for students. The upgraded facility has benefited student-athletes while also providing a space for all students, with fun activities like the Lawnsays Intramural games and other Campus Life-hosted events. 

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