A Bison Stronghold

by kate williard
photography by Emily Paine and JAMES T. GIFFEN
Jermaine Truax speaking at podium
At the dedication ceremony in April, Jermaine Truax, vice president, director of athletics & recreation, said the new center is one of the finest facilities in the Patriot League.
The Michael C. Pascucci ’58 Team Center, a 16,000-square-foot training hub tailored for Bucknell’s Division I student-athletes, opened in April.

The center was funded by Michael ’58, P’81, P’87, G’21, G’22 and Jocelyn Pascucci P’81, P’87, G’21, G’22, whose $40 million pledge in 2021 stands as the largest single gift in the University’s history. Of their commitment, $10 million developed the Pascucci Family Athletics Complex, enhancing the area around Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. Supplemental support for the complex ensured the project was 100% donor-funded.

Earlier phases of the project included the installation of a modern LED video board at the south end of Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium in 2021 and the completion of a turf practice field in 2022.

“The initial phases of the Pascucci Family Athletics Complex have already had a significant positive impact on student-athlete performance and the game-day atmosphere at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium,” says Jermaine Truax, vice president, director of athletics & recreation. “We are incredibly excited about the completion of the Pascucci Team Center. The modern training facility will even further enhance the student-athlete experience for multiple Bison programs. We are profoundly grateful for the support of Michael Pascucci and all of the donors who helped make this team center a reality.”

The remaining $30 million of the Pascucci pledge supports unrestricted, need-based financial aid.

President John Bravman standing with a group of athletics staff and students while cutting a ribbon that reads "Pascucci Team Center Dedication"
President John Bravman officially opened the Pascucci Team Center with Bucknell leadership, athletics staff and Bison student-athletes.
football players at the Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium
The new center stands prominently between the turf practice field and the north end zone of Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium.
view of weight room
An expansive weight room features 12 custom-made weight racks and turf flooring.
lacrosse players sitting together in new locker room
The center also features a new, modern locker room for the men’s lacrosse team.