“The addition to this sports complex will not only help our current student athletes, but will serve as a great recruitment tool for our athletics department.” – Dr. E. Ronald Salvitti, Class of 1959
On November 12, 2019, Washington & Jefferson College hosted a dedication ceremony for its renovated Salvitti Family Gymnasium.
The renovation of the gymnasium, home site for W&J basketball, wrestling, and volleyball was made possible by a generous lead gift from Dr. E. Ronald Salvitti, Class of 1959, a Class of 2002 member of the W&J Athletic Hall of Fame. The gymnasium, originally built in 1970, is a state-of-the art facility with 1,000 new bleacher-style seats, a refurbished floor, HVAC, and offices for the athletic director and sports information director.
The night’s celebration also included a dedication of the Eaton Fitness Center and the Jerry L. Morrow Alumni Suite. The new fitness center, overlooking the Salvitti Family Gymnasium, is open to students, faculty, and staff, and includes treadmills, elliptical machines, weight lifting equipment, and more. The Morrow Alumni Suite also overlooks the newly-renovated gymnasium, offering a comfortable space for alumni events and other special gatherings.
“Ron has been instrumental in the overall success of W&J through his service as a member of our board of trustees since 1975,” said President John C. Knapp. “He is passionate about W&J, our students, and our athletic programs. I see every day the impact that Ron has made on our campus and our students.”
Dr. Salvitti was a star athlete and four-year letterman for the W&J basketball team. Accompanied by his family and friends, Dr. Salvitti spoke of the impact that W&J made on his life and his career.
“I have always lived on the doorstep of the College and it has had an effect on me. The addition to this sports complex will not only help our current student athletes, but will serve as a great recruitment tool for our athletics department,” Salvitti said.
Keith Ghezzi, Class of 1977, a fellow physician and Chair of the Board of Trustees described Salvitti’s leadership and generosity, which have been instrumental in preparing W&J to thrive long into the future.
“Ron saw the importance of this project and provided W&J with the opportunity to create this incredible space for our student athletes,” Ghezzi said.
The W&J men’s and women’s basketball teams capped off the night’s celebrations with a 74-67 men’s home opener win over Pitt-Greensburg and a 61-57 women’s victory over LaRoche University.
