Baker University unveils the Mansfield-Elliott locker room
On Dec. 4, Baker University officially unveiled the Mansfield-Elliott Men’s Basketball Locker Room to alumni and donors. The ceremony took place during halftime of the women’s basketball game in Collins Gym. Alumni and their families who contributed funds to the locker room renovation gathered on the court to cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially declare the project complete.
Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees made their way to the Alumni Center on campus for a reception. President Dr. Lynne Murray, Athletic Director Nate Houser, Coach Sean Dooley and Assistant Director of Donor Relations Cheryl McCrary all spoke at the reception, thanking everyone involved in the renovation process.
“What was so special about [the ceremony] was finally connecting the many people involved with this special project and gathering in one room to celebrate them, their families and additional Baker friends and honor the two men the locker room is now named for,” McCrary said.
New additions to the locker room include wooden lockers, a television, a white board and signage. The room is named after two Baker alumni: Charles L. Mansfield and J. Nelson Elliott. Before graduating from Baker in 1957, Mansfield played basketball and football as a Wildcat and was a member of the Zeta Chi Fraternity. Elliott was also dedicated to Baker sports and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity before graduating in 1966.
Over twelve alumni families were represented at the ceremony. In addition to the Mansfield and Elliott families, the family of Greg Goff, a former Baker basketball player, was in attendance. These families’ contributions helped make the locker room renovation a reality. Other donors include Jeff Anderson, George Blackwood, Pedro dos Santos, Lee Driver, Jim Kean, Richard McDowell, Andy Schowengerdt, Dick Sulley and Chad Wilkins.
“Raising money for the locker room wasn’t about just getting a check to pay for a nicer place for the team to shower,” McCrary explained. “It was about relationships and memories and heartfelt wishes to make it a special place for our basketball team to make their own Baker legacy.”
Maggie is a senior from Olathe, KS, studying Mass Media and Psychology. She is a photographer for the Baker Orange. She is a member of the Delta Delta...
