September 24, 2007

Adrian Celebrates New Baseball Field
Bud and Betty Nicolay honored at groundbreaking ceremony.
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ADRIAN, Mich. –Nearly 175 persons arrived at the site of the new baseball field last Saturday morning (Sept. 22) to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Bulldogs' new home. Nicolay Field, a facility estimated at over $1 million, is made possible by the generous contribution of Bud and Betty Nicolay and the Nicolay Foundation.

The Nicolay family gathered with College administrators and staff, trustees, alumni, coaches, baseball players and others for speeches, ceremonial pitches and a shovel ceremony. Ernie Harwell, retired radio broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers, expressed his support for the Nicolay contribution to Adrian College baseball and gave a special welcome to Bud and Betty, who are longtime Tigers fans. Kathryn Mohr, chairman of the Adrian College Board of Trustees, stated her belief that the Nicolay contribution means good things for students.

“With the groundbreaking of the Nicolay Field, we begin construction on a facility that will enrich the lives of many, many young people in the years and decades ahead,” Mohr said.

Bud Nicolay is the retired president of Kar Nut Products Company, Inc. The company was started in the 1930s when its founders roasted peanuts for the fans at Detroit Tiger Stadium. Bud played sandlot ball as a youngster, and coached his kids’ youth teams.

In 1971, Bud began his long service as a member of the Adrian College Board of Trustees, representing the Detroit Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 1980, Bud was elected as a Trustee-At-Large, and he continues to serve with distinction on the board today. For the past 36 years he has actively supported Adrian College in every capital campaign, as well as contributing to student scholarships. In 1991, Bud was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his steadfast support, and he continues to be actively engaged in the life of the College today.

Betty Nicolay’s drive to do good in the world is well-known. She was the driving force behind the Farmington Families in Action Program at the Nardin Park United Methodist Church, a drug prevention program. Betty has served on several nonprofit boards, notably the YMCA of Greater Detroit. She has also been a strong supporter of Adrian College.

Following the ceremony and brunch, Bud was the honorary official for the coin toss at the first home football game of the season. The Adrian College marching band honored him and his family by leading the crowd in a rousing rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Nicolay Field is expected to open for play in the spring of 2008. It is part of the Renaissance Plan, which aims to raise enrollment and improve academics. Renaissance I, the facilities portion of the plan, has already resulted in around 200 percent growth in the size of the incoming class. Between 500 and 600 new freshmen arrived at the college this fall, and in the past two years overall enrollment has climbed from the low 900s to 1,300.

The final project of Renaissance I is a new swimming and diving facility. Renaissance II is also currently in process, and includes wide participation by the faculty and the rest of campus. It will dramatically update the College’s academic offerings.