Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Stockton Photo, Inc.
Columbia Celebrates Dedication of the Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center
9/6/2024 10:49:00 AM | General, Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis
The Milsteins were honored in a special ceremony on September 5
NEW YORK — Columbia University hosted a dedication ceremony in honor of Philip & Cheryl Milstein for their contributions to the Lions' new state-of-the-art tennis facility on September 5. The ceremony featured speeches from Interim President of Columbia Dr. Katrina Armstrong, Campbell Family Director of Athletics Peter Pilling and alumni highlighting the Milstein Family Tennis Centers' impact on the athletics program and the community.
"We are so grateful for the vision and leadership of Philip & Cheryl as trustees and benefactors of the athletics program," said Pilling. "The Milstein Family Tennis Center is a world-class facility that has already made a tremendous impact on the success of our men's and women's programs and the New York City tennis community."
Attendees had the opportunity to explore the impressive amenities of the center, gaining a firsthand look at its cutting-edge features and its potential to serve as a premier venue for both varsity athletics and community events.
"I've had the chance to get to know Philip and Cheryl over the last year," said Armstrong. "(I've learned) about their support for Columbia and Barnard and to truly understand what it means to put an institution first at all times. It's a truly extraordinary facility, worthy of the Milstein name, and a fitting tribute for all they've done for this wonderful institution."
The Milstein Family Tennis Center, which broke ground in the fall of 2021 and opened in February 2023, hosted the 2023 Women's ITA Fall Regionals, the 2024 ITA Men's Indoor Nationals and the first three rounds of the 2024 NCAA Men's Tournament during the Lions' run to the quarterfinals of the event.
"The reason this facility was built is because of (our student-athletes)," Philip Milstein said. "That's the most important thing. It's the people who will learn, who will be teachers, who will develop their physical and mental skills. Their sense of teamwork and all the things in life (is what) really matters and that's what the success of our tennis programs are really about."
"This facility would have never happened without Howie (Endelman) and Bid (Goswami)," continued Milstein. "They are the heart and inspiration of a program that has developed over 45 years to (a new level of success). They embody everything that's important about a college education. They know how important it is to create a sense of team and culture, and doing good things, not just for themselves, but for others."
Comprising 12 tennis courts on two levels with state-of-the-art cushioned surfaces, the tennis center
is the home of the Columbia Men's and Women's Varsity Tennis teams. The center also provides recreational membership opportunities for Columbia and Barnard alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students and anyone working in one of the hospitals affiliated with Columbia. Members may sponsor unaffiliated players.
Located in a beautifully landscaped area of the Baker Athletics Complex (218th Street, west of Broadway), which overlooks the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, the Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center features coaches' offices, conference rooms and meeting spaces. The building, which replaces the Dick Savitt Tennis Center formerly at the same location, also includes a strength and conditioning area, a student-athlete lounge, locker rooms for Columbia's men's and women's tennis teams and Tennis Center members, and hospitality areas.
The facility boasts numerous spectator amenities, including a high-resolution scoreboard with video capability and chairback seating at every single court (indoors and out) and hospitality areas for special events.
"We are so grateful for the vision and leadership of Philip & Cheryl as trustees and benefactors of the athletics program," said Pilling. "The Milstein Family Tennis Center is a world-class facility that has already made a tremendous impact on the success of our men's and women's programs and the New York City tennis community."
Attendees had the opportunity to explore the impressive amenities of the center, gaining a firsthand look at its cutting-edge features and its potential to serve as a premier venue for both varsity athletics and community events.
"I've had the chance to get to know Philip and Cheryl over the last year," said Armstrong. "(I've learned) about their support for Columbia and Barnard and to truly understand what it means to put an institution first at all times. It's a truly extraordinary facility, worthy of the Milstein name, and a fitting tribute for all they've done for this wonderful institution."
The Milstein Family Tennis Center, which broke ground in the fall of 2021 and opened in February 2023, hosted the 2023 Women's ITA Fall Regionals, the 2024 ITA Men's Indoor Nationals and the first three rounds of the 2024 NCAA Men's Tournament during the Lions' run to the quarterfinals of the event.
"The reason this facility was built is because of (our student-athletes)," Philip Milstein said. "That's the most important thing. It's the people who will learn, who will be teachers, who will develop their physical and mental skills. Their sense of teamwork and all the things in life (is what) really matters and that's what the success of our tennis programs are really about."
"This facility would have never happened without Howie (Endelman) and Bid (Goswami)," continued Milstein. "They are the heart and inspiration of a program that has developed over 45 years to (a new level of success). They embody everything that's important about a college education. They know how important it is to create a sense of team and culture, and doing good things, not just for themselves, but for others."
Comprising 12 tennis courts on two levels with state-of-the-art cushioned surfaces, the tennis center
is the home of the Columbia Men's and Women's Varsity Tennis teams. The center also provides recreational membership opportunities for Columbia and Barnard alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students and anyone working in one of the hospitals affiliated with Columbia. Members may sponsor unaffiliated players.
Located in a beautifully landscaped area of the Baker Athletics Complex (218th Street, west of Broadway), which overlooks the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, the Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center features coaches' offices, conference rooms and meeting spaces. The building, which replaces the Dick Savitt Tennis Center formerly at the same location, also includes a strength and conditioning area, a student-athlete lounge, locker rooms for Columbia's men's and women's tennis teams and Tennis Center members, and hospitality areas.
The facility boasts numerous spectator amenities, including a high-resolution scoreboard with video capability and chairback seating at every single court (indoors and out) and hospitality areas for special events.
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