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Queen’s University announced today that Stu Lang, an alumnus and former star player on the Gaels football team, has pledged a lead gift of $10 million towards the revitalization of Richardson Stadium. With this pledge in place, the university will undertake a special campaign over the next few months to raise the remainder of the $25 million required to modernize the 40-year-old facility.

“Mr. Lang has shown tremendous vision and leadership in his desire to help Queen’s revitalize Richardson Stadium and we are very grateful for his generosity,” says Daniel Woolf, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “A modern stadium with a new artificial turf field will promote the excellence of our teams and better meet the needs of our student athletes. This exceptional gift gets us closer to making this dream a reality.”

After graduating from Queen’s in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering, Mr. Lang went on to a successful eight-season career with the Edmonton Eskimos, winning five Grey Cup championships.

“It is a privilege for me to make this pledge to my alma mater. My wife and I met at Queen’s. My experience as a student athlete prepared me well for the rest of my life. A big part of my personal development occurred outside the classroom as athletics, more than anything, shaped my life and I am happy to support Queen’s through my contribution to Richardson Stadium,” says Mr. Lang.

Mr. Lang has shown tremendous vision and leadership in his desire to help Queen’s revitalize Richardson Stadium and we are very grateful for his generosity.

– Principal Daniel Woolf

The revitalization of Richardson Stadium is a priority within Queen’s $500-million Initiative Campaign. It is the next step in the university’s efforts to enhance its athletics and recreation facilities to promote the health and wellness of all students. Other recent projects include the Athletics and Recreation Centre, two new practice fields on west campus, Tindall Field and Nixon Field.

Paul and Vicki Hand, Co-Chairs of the Initiative Campaign Fields and Stadium Campaign Cabinet, said this announcement marks a great day for Queen’s.

“Stu’s commitment to sport and student athletes is well known and we are proud to have his name and reputation associated with this project. His extraordinary gift to his alma mater makes it possible for the university and our volunteer fundraising group to move ahead immediately to raise the balance of funds required to build a new Stadium. On behalf of Gord Nixon, the chair of the Initiative Campaign, we want to thank Stu for his commitment to youth, education and sport in Canada - he embodies the “spirit of initiative” that defines Queen’s.”

A revitalized Richardson Stadium would also be of benefit to the broader Kingston community, and the university is committed to consulting with neighbouring residents, city officials, and the local sports community as specific plans for the stadium are developed.

The Initiative Campaign is the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the university’s history. The goal is to raise half a billion dollars to ensure Queen’s future as a destination for exceptional people. The campaign will nurture a supportive campus community, enhance the student learning experience, and secure a global reputation in discovery and inquiry.