Knights Celebrate Hall of Fame Honorees, Alumni Benefactors

For Division I athletics, February was a month of celebrating athletic accomplishments and outstanding philanthropy.

On February 13, four honorees were inducted into the Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the Greg Olsen Student Union on the Metropolitan Campus.

This year’s inductees were: 

  • Arvis Berzins, BS’15 — men’s tennis;
  • J. Stevens Hurlbut, former director of athletics (1998–2002);
  • Gabriela Santini, BS’18 — women’s golf; and
  • Liat Vizenfeld, BA’15 — women’s bowling.

Four people standing in a row smiling and wearing medals

From left are Arvis Berzins, Gabriela Santini, J. Stevens Hurlbut and Liat Vizenfeld. (Photo credit: Lexi Woodcock)

Photo of woman in white smiling

Becky Hammon, head basketball coach of the Las Vegas Aces.

Becky Hammon, head basketball coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, was chosen as this year’s recipient of the Al LoBalbo Award, which is presented to a person who has “through selfless service, tireless dedication and education through sport made significant contributions that transcend competition for the betterment of athletics and all who are involved.”

The inductees were also recognized at halftime of the Knights men’s basketball game against Central Connecticut at the Bogota Savings Bank Center on February 14.

Also on February 14, the University celebrated the rededication of the Elia and Mary Kay Stratis Lounge and the unveiling of the Dr. William L. O’Neill and Mrs. Frances C. O’Neill Hall of Fame. These highlight the profound and lasting impact of the late Mary Kay Stratis, a devoted alumna (BA’69 [Ruth], MAT’71 [Metro]) and trustee, whose philanthropy has directly supported student success; and William O’Neill (BS’67, DDS’70 [Metro]) and Frances O’Neill (AA’07, BA’13 [Metro]), whose leadership and generosity have strengthened opportunities for student-athletes and scholars alike.

Left photo is a timeline mural Right photo is a group of smiling people in front of the mural

Members of the Stratis family attended the rededication ceremony, which featured a mural (left) of the Elia and Mary Kay Stratis visual timeline of key points in their lives — from getting their undergraduate and graduate degrees at FDU and getting married to events that highlight their generosity and philanthropy that continue to benefit the University community.

Left photo is a room signage Right photo is five people smiling and holding a ceremonial ribbon

Left photo: The new Hall of Fame signage. Right photo: At the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left, Frank Barra, senior vice president and chief finance officer; Bradford Hurlbut, senior associate vice president and director, Division I athletics (Metro); William O’Neill; Frances O’Neill; President Michael Avaltroni; and Jason Young, assistant vice president and deputy athletic director (Metro).

To read more about these individuals whose lifelong commitment to FDU has opened doors for generations of students go to “Fairleigh Dickinson University Rededicates Stratis Lounge.”

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