The University of Toledo announced today that it has received a donation of $1 million from George and Leslie Chapman for the construction of the new basketball office complex in Savage Arena. The complex will be named the Chapman Basketball Complex pending approval of the UT Board of Trustees and is scheduled to open in mid-October.
“We are very grateful to George and Leslie for this very generous gift,” UT Vice President and Athletic Director Mike O’Brien said. “Their donation will not only have a positive impact on our basketball programs, it will benefit our athletic department as a whole. The new basketball complex will give our coaches an improved working environment as they lead their teams in the quest for Mid-American Conference championships. It will also address the needs for additional office space for many other areas of our department.”
Leslie and George Chapman
“For over 60 years, I have watched Toledo basketball, including the great teams of Eddie Melvin and Bobby Nichols,” George said. “Today we’re fortunate to have our men’s and women’s teams led by Tod Kowalczyk and Tricia Cullop. They follow in a great tradition of excellent coaching. Their dedication to building terrific teams with outstanding student-athletes and exemplary leaders is what it’s all about. Leslie and I are honored to be able to contribute our share to such an outstanding program.”
The Chapman Basketball Complex will include coaches’ offices, meeting rooms and a video room. The new basketball complex is located at the concourse level on the south end of the arena, directly beneath the Joe Grogan Room, which has been expanded, substantially increasing its size and capacity on game day.
“All the student-athletes, coaches and support staff within our programs are tremendously thankful for the generosity of George and Leslie in helping our office complex become a reality,” said UT Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tod Kowalczyk. “Since my arrival as the Rockets’ coach, George and Leslie have become dear friends of ours, and we are extremely appreciative of their support of the University and Toledo community.”
UT Head Women’s Basketball Coach Tricia Cullop added, “Words can’t express the gratitude everyone in our program feels toward George and Leslie for their generous donation. We are excited to utilize our video room and everything our new state-of-the-art office complex has to offer.”
