Press Releases

May 10, 2002
Southampton College to Honor Southampton Youth Services, Inc.

Civic Group Behind Construction of Southampton's New Recreation Center to Recieve Distinguished Citizen Award on June 28th

Contact:
Jane Finalborgo (PR@southampton.liu.edu)
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

Southampton College of Long Island University will present its 2002 Distinguished Citizen Award to Southampton Youth Services, Inc., the citizens group that has spearheaded the successful effort to finance, plan, and build a state-of-the art recreation center for Southampton Town.

The critically needed recreation center is scheduled to be completed by the end of the summer and will house an indoor soccer field, two full-sized basketball courts, two pitching mounds, two batting cages, and an elevated running track on an acre and a quarter of land off Major's Path in North Sea.

In only slightly more than a year's time, SYS, a not-for-profit corporation, has raised almost half of the $2 million cost for the 55,000-square-foot building through a grass roots effort. Fund raising is on-going.

"The hard work, creativity and resourcefulness shown by this group of remarkable volunteers have resulted in a facility that will provide countless hours of healthy recreation for our youth and indeed for all residents of the town," said the college's Interim Provost, Lee Kelly. "The College usually selects one or two individuals to honor each year, but SYS stands out as a shining example of what a group of private citizens committed to a worthwhile cause can accomplish. Each one of them deserves our recognition and thanks."

The 17-member SYS Board of Directors, whose president is J. Andreassi, will be honored Friday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Meadow Club of Southampton. Proceeds will benefit SYS and the Southampton College Scholarship Fund. The Distinguished Citizen Award, given annually, recognizes a member or members of the year-round East End community who has contributed significantly to the cultural, educational and professional quality of life on eastern Long Island.

The SYS Board of Directors includes Andreassi, Mark Antilety, Michael Behringer, Tim Behringer, Mark Epley, Mark Fitzgerald, David Greene, Linda Gilmartin, Susanna Butler Herrmann, Allyn Jackson, Scott Johnson, Nancy Lynott, Tish Rehill, Timothy Rumph, Brad Smith, Andy Taylor, and Aidan Wood.

Everyone involved in the project, from the general contractor to architects and attorneys, has donated their services at no charge. In addition, the Bridgehampton National Bank provided a $1 million line of credit to SYS with two years to pay it back at favorable terms to enable SYS to begin work on the project without the full funding in hand. Planning has involved local professionals, Southampton Little League, PAL Basketball and many others familiar with sports and construction needs.

"This has been a community effort from start to finish, and the College is honored to be able to recognize the generosity and spirit of cooperation involved in this accomplishment," said Kelly.

The new facility is being built on property leased to SYS by the Town of Southampton. The town will develop the roadway and maintain the structure upon completion of the project.

For tickets and more information about the event, please call the Development Office at Southampton College, (631) 287-8347.