On April 8, family members of one of the most storied student-athletes and alumni of Beaver College and Arcadia University gathered to dedicate the Jean Lenox West Field. Lenox West family members, including Jean’s sons, Doug and Tim, and Jean’s daughter, Nancy, joined Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Charles Lentz ’03M, President Nicolette DeVille Christensen, President Emerita Bette Landman, classmates, alumni, and other University administrators to cut the ribbon before the men’s lacrosse game vs. Lycoming College.

A member of the Beaver College Class of 1957, and an Honorary Degree recipient in 1995, Jean excelled as a student-athlete, earning All-America and All-Section honors for her achievements in field hockey, while also starring on the basketball, lacrosse, and swimming teams. All this was in addition to earning a degree in Health and Physical Education. For her accomplishments, Jean was a member of the first class of inductees to the Arcadia University Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2008.

Board Chair Lentz noted the importance of alumni and estate gifts, and how they significantly impact the student experience.

“As an elementary school principal, I see on a daily basis how support like this impacts students,” said Dr. Lentz, who serves as principal of McKinley Elementary School in Abington. “Whether it is to establish a scholarship, fund a student or faculty research project, allow a student to study abroad, or provide state-of-the-art resources, donors, friends, and supporters play such a crucial role in student success. To members of the Lenox West family, we thank you deeply for this tremendous gift.”

Lenox West family members in attendance were: Doug and Cynthia West, and their daughters Sarah and Christine; Nancy West Loch and her husband, Jeff; Tim West and his daughter, Margaret; Lucy Sandor and Stephen Sandor; and Tessa Hall.

President DeVille Christensen noted the symmetry of how the field will carry the name of one of the greatest student-athletes and alumni in University history.

“In many ways, this field reflects Jean’s diverse athletic career, as she exemplified the importance of student participation and initiation in creating a well-rounded collegiate experience,” said President DeVille Christensen. “It is so very fitting that this field, the heart of Arcadia University Athletics, now bears Jean’s name. On behalf of Arcadia University, I would like to express my gratitude to the Lenox West family, whose commitment and selfless contributions to Arcadia have transformed and enhanced the University community for generations of students.”

Jean Lenox West Field is home to Arcadia’s women’s field hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s soccer teams, as well as various student clubs and intramural programs. Its significance extends beyond student-athletes to all who cheer on Arcadia’s Knights, take part in camps and activities hosted by our Athletics Department, and enjoy events held year-round in this space. Lenox West’s extraordinary support over the years has greatly enhanced Arcadia and the University’s athletic facilities, including the construction of the six-lane, NCAA regulation Lenox Pool, dedicated in 1993.