Anonymous Donor Gives $741,000 For Renovation of Dayton Arena
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BRUNSWICK, Maine -- Bowdoin College will receive a gift of just over $741,000
from an anonymous donor to make essential repairs to Dayton Arena and to
renovate existing space for additional locker rooms, rest rooms, and offices
in the 35-year old rink.  The announcement was made today by Vice-President
for Development and Alumni Relations William A. Torrey.
    "Bowdoin is greatful indeed for this wonderful demonstration of support
for a critical institutional need," said Torrey.
    The bulk of the gift will be used to install a new concrete floor and new
piping which will reduce leaks stemming from deterioration of the existing
20-year old floor.  The rink will also receive a new chiller and dehumidifier.
These repairs will allow the rink to operate more efficiently while producing
a higher-quality ice surface.
    The gift also allows for the addition of locker rooms for the women's
hockey program and the junior varsity program, additional visitor locker room
space, a changing room for officials, and office space for the coaching staff.
There will also be renovations to the existing skate shop, the rest rooms and
the concession area.  In addition, the fire exits will be expanded, allowing
the rink to increase capacity from 2,400 to 3,000 spectators.
    In providing funds for the repair and renovation of Dayton Arena, the
donor expressed confidence that Bowdoin is addressing its current budget
situation and emphasized that the gift is intended to allow the College to
spend its own resources on more central purposes.
    "Nothing is more welcome -- or more unusual -- than a gift that enables
the College to undertake the vital business of renewing and extending the
life of an important existing structure," said Bowdoin President Robert H.
Edwards.  "Without this splendid gift, we would have confronted piecemeal
repairs eked out of several years' maintenance budgets.  With it, we shall
replace systems and upgrade space -- create the essence of a new hockey rink
-- in the next few months."
    Director of Athletics Sidney J. Watson expects work to begin on the Arena
following the conclusion of the 1991-92 hockey season, probably somentime in
mid-March.  "As much work as possible will be done before the summer hockey
clinic, and any additional work will be completed at the end of the summer,"
said Watson.
    "We are very pleased that the facility is going to be refurbished," said
Terry Meagher, head coach of the men's varsity hockey team.  "We are very
appreciative of the generosity extended -- generosity that will not only have
a positive impact on the Bowdoin community, but also on the entire Brunswick
area.  The players in our program are very excited and looking forward to
competing in a dependable, high-quality facility."