Frank Messa, a 1973
graduate of Union College and Senior Vice President of Ayco
Co., and his wife, Colleen, have donated $1.5 million for the renovation of the
Achilles Center at Union College.
The project will
include the replacement of the ice refrigeration system, expansion of the ice
surface, enhanced seating, new boards and glass, and renovations to the lobby
and locker rooms. The renovated rink will provide a year-round ice surface.
The rink is the home of Union's two ice hockey programs – the
men's team, which plays in the ECAC Div. I league; and the women's team, which
this year moves to ECAC Div. I. The rink is also used by the College's
intramural programs and by a number of hockey and figure skating programs from
the local community.
“Frank Messa's support of Union College runs long and deep,” said President
Roger Hull. “In every way Frank has been available when Union has called. His recent gift makes
possible a significant enhancement for both our student-athletes and the many
members of the local community who support them. The rink enhancements also
make possible the year-round development of athletes from both the College and
community.”
“We are deeply grateful to Frank Messa for his generous gift,” said Val
Belmonte, director of athletics. “The entire Athletic Department is extremely
excited to have significant enhancements made to the rink, which will be a
source of pride for the entire campus. The renovations
will create one of the finest venues in the ECAC, and enhance our ability to
compete and recruit. Additionally, these improvements will expand our program
offerings to the campus and local community.”
“Union College has been an important part of my
life since I first came to the campus,” said Messa. “I am proud to be able to
contribute to this project which not only benefits the College but the
community.”
Messa, of Saratoga Springs, earned a bachelor's degree magna cum laude in political science
from Union in 1973, and a J.D. degree from Albany Law School in 1976. He was elected to Phi Beta
Kappa. He joined Ayco, the largest fee-based financial counseling firm in the
nation, in 1976. He was named Senior Vice President in 1996.
Among his many community
service activities, he has been a member of the Board of Directors for United Way of Northeastern New York, a trustee of the Albany Academy for Girls, and a trustee of St.
Gregory's School for Boys. He has served on the Parents Committee of the Hotchkiss School and Duke University.
As a Union alumnus,
he is a former member of the Trustee Board of Advisors, class president, Alumni
Council representative and national chairman of the Annual Fund. He created the
Frank Messa '73 Endowed Scholarship. He recently received the Alumni Gold Medal
from the College's Alumni Council.
The Messas reside in Saratoga Springs with their three children.