Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Oxley Completes Pledge for Building Bearing His Name
2/28/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
Feb. 28, 2005
Boca Raton - In January of 2000, the doors to the Tom Oxley Athletic Center at Florida Atlantic University opened. The complex serves as the focal point of the University's Intercollegiate Athletics Department, which includes over 450 student-athletes in 17 Division I programs as well as the department's administrative staff. Recently, Tom Oxley completed his pledge, which allowed the building bearing his name to be built.
"This state of the art facility has had a tremendous impact on the rapid development of our football program and will greatly assist in our continual pursuit of greater success," said Athletics Director Craig Angelos.
FAU athletic teams housed in the Tom Oxley Center have grown and set records at a rapid pace. Much like the football team, which captured its first Division I-A victory in just the 22nd game of existence and earned its first victory over a bowl participant in its 35th contest, Oxley's gift was completed early.
"I stand up once again to thank and applaud Mr. Tom Oxley for his generosity and loyalty to his alma mater," said head football coach Howard Schnellenberger. "It was his initial gift and pledge that breathed life and strength into our football program. It is with his continued support that we have been able to maintain a high level of support for our athletes. With today's final payment on his pledge, we again applaud him for his steadfastness."
Since the Oxley Center opened its doors, the football team advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA semifinals in 2003, gained entrance into the Sun Belt Conference and has moved to the Division I-A ranks. Along with the outstanding achievements on the gridiron, FAU's athletic programs have been represented 16 times in post-season competition, since 2000.
