While numerous athletic matchups had already seen action on Cazenovia College’s new turf field behind the Schneeweiss Sports Complex, on Sept. 29, the pitch was officially named “Christakos Field.”

Following a $350,000 leadership gift made by the Christakos family of Cazenovia, the turf field was named in honor of the late Nicholas J. Christakos, trustee emeritus of the college and a longtime Central New York civic and business leader.

“The college has always been very fortunate to benefit not only from its alumni base, but also from members of the community who believe in the mission of the institution and its positive impact on the region,” said Cazenovia College President Mark Tierno.

Members of the Christakos family addressed the crowd, regaling attendees with fond memories of Nicholas and hopes for the future of the field and school.

Harriet Christakos took a large-sized pair of scissors to the ceremonial ribbon, officially inaugurating Christakos Field, and Cazenovia College’s mascot, “Zac,” was unveiled for the first time. The school’s mens and womens soccer teams each played matches against SUNY ESF on the field that day.

Also during the event, college officials announced the kickoff of the school’s $10 million comprehensive campaign “Building Futures One at a Time: The Campaign for Cazenovia College.” To date, $6.2 million has been raised toward meeting the goal, as the college looks to improve its South Campus project, science labs and endowment support for academic excellence and scholarships, all while emphasizing the growth of the Cazenovia Fund.

“Led by those who have worked so diligently and given so generously, the college has arrived at a defining moment after a decade of burgeoning enrollment, thoughtful and rigorous planning and increasing national attention,” Tierno said. “Now we must take the best route forward — for today’s Cazenovia College community and for those who will follow us.”

Pierce Smith is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at 434-8889 ext. 338 or [email protected].