MEDIA CONTACT: Charles R. Loebbaka at (847) 491-4887 or at c-loebbaka@northwestern.edu

October 28, 2002

Work Starts on New Athletic Facility

EVANSTON, Ill. --- A groundbreaking ceremony for the New Harold Anderson Hall project at Northwestern University was held before the Oct. 26 Homecoming football game against Purdue.

The Ron Burton Academic Advising Center, the focal point of the new Anderson Hall, will occupy an entire wing when the current building is razed and rebuilt. The center is named for Burton, one of Northwestern's all-time football greats and a member of College Football's Hall of Fame.

Burton, a 1960 graduate who went on to star as a running back for the New England Patriots, became a million-dollar sales producer for John Hancock Financial Services in Boston and an executive consultant in John Hancock's Community Relations Department. Throughout his life, Burton, a Northwestern Hall-of-Famer, has been an advocate for numerous charitable causes.

"Ron Burton embodies everything we think is important in the student-athlete at Northwestern," said director of athletics Rick Taylor. "He was a tremendous athlete, a good student and an even better human being. We've all taken a very personal interest in trying to make this Center happen."

The rebuilding of Anderson Hall, which will take place on the building's current site, will add 8,000 square feet to Anderson Hall and feature a rooftop patio for game-time and other gatherings.

Computers, important for student work, will be at the center's core. In addition to constructing an area that meets the technological needs of the 21st century, the new building will provide space for more than two dozen computers for student-athletes.

The Burton Center also will optimize office space for academic advisors and include several meeting rooms, which will enable the academic services department to host speakers and job recruiters.

"Ron was a truly gifted athlete," said Ken Kraft, Northwestern's senior associate athletic director. "People should know he really was one of the true football greats. He was a wonderful team player."

Kraft also will be honored at the new Anderson Hall, with the Ken Kraft Wrestling Complex in the facility.

Burton, Kraft, Taylor and University President Henry S. Bienen spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Anderson Hall is named for Harold Anderson, a 1924 graduate and a Life Trustee whose commitment to the University and its athletic programs spanned nearly 60 years.