Tulane Athletics Dedicates Ben Weiner Hall
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Nov. 1, 2001
NEW ORLEANS - The atrium area of the James W. Wilson Center for Intercollegiate Athletics at Tulane University was formally dedicated as "Ben Weiner Hall" Thursday afternoon in a ceremony in the facility. In addition, through the generosity of the late Ben Weiner and the Foundation that bears his name, the position of director of athletics at Tulane has been permanently endowed, and current Tulane Athletics Director Rick Dickson was appointed as the first holder of the Ben Weiner Athletic Director's Chair.
"Today's events recognize in a small way a man whose passion and love for Tulane Athletics knew no bounds," Dickson said. "His generous support, and his success in attracting the support of others, is the backbone of the foundation that today has become the Tulane Athletics Fund. Because of Ben Weiner's efforts, Tulane Athletics will permanently have an important place on this campus and in this community."
Ben Weiner was a long-time friend, generous benefactor and dynamic fund raiser for the Green Wave program who passed away in 1997. A 1930 graduate of Tulane, he established the Ben Weiner Foundation in 1977 as an endowed fund to support intercollegiate athletic scholarships. That fund now exceeds $10 million. From 1974 to 1988, Weiner served as president of the Green Wave Club (now the Tulane Athletics Fund). Under his leadership, the level of donations increased from $30,000 to $1 million. He was instrumental in building the base of support for Tulane Athletics throughout the city, garnering numerous significant donations.
Thursday's dedication of Ben Weiner Hall and the announcement of the establishment of the Ben Weiner Athletic Director's Chair reinforced the support of the Ben Weiner Foundation for Tulane Athletics and recognized current athletic director Rick Dickson for his dedication to improving the lives of Tulane student-athletes.
President Scott Cowen led the dedication and investiture ceremony while David Stone represented the Ben Weiner estate. Several family members and friends of Weiner attended the event along with members of the Tulane Board of Administrators and other invited guests.
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