Resolution Authorizing the Naming of Stony Brook University's Rugby Pitch the "Peter Baigent Rugby Pitch"

WHEREAS, Peter Baigent dedicated his entire career to increasing access to higher education and improving the student experience; and 

WHEREAS, for 24 years, Peter Baigent held leadership posts of successive responsibility at Stony Brook University, including Vice President of Student Affairs and President of the Faculty Student Association (FSA), a nonprofit corporation responsible for campus activities, events, dining and scholarships for FSA students; and 

WHEREAS, Peter Baigent led by example, demonstrating a core set of values that included providing opportunity, access and inclusiveness for students, faculty and staff; enforcing personal and community responsibility; and giving back as a consistent donor to the Athletic General Scholarship Fund for over 20 years; and 

WHEREAS, Peter Baigent's love of the game of rugby and his understanding of the positive impact that its tradition of sportsmanship and camaraderie could have on the social development of all the students on the field, led him to co-found USA Rugby in 1975, the sport's official national governing body and inspire Stony Brook's Rugby Club; and 

WHEREAS, the many students he mentored and the faculty and staff whose lives he touched and improved seek a way to honor his contributions to Stony Brook University after his untimely death at the age of 71 in October 2017; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE STONY BROOK COUNCIL, THAT: 

In recognition of Peter Baigent's contributions to the University and the experience of its students, the Stony Brook Council authorizes the naming of the rugby pitch at Stony Brook University the "Peter Baigent Rugby Pitch" and furthermore, 

The Stony Brook Council authorizes chair, Kevin S. Law, to transmit this resolution to the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York. 

May 7, 2018