The University of Scranton announced the names of three NCAA regulation athletic fields at the soon-to-open Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus in recognition of the support of prominent alumni and their families.
The 75 by 120 yard, synthetic-turf, multi-purpose field will be named Robert and Marilyn Weiss Field in honor of University Trustee Robert Weiss ’68 and his wife, Marilyn. The synthetic-turf baseball field will be named Charles J. Volpe Family Field, a name chosen by Charles (Chuck) Volpe Jr., Esq. ’82 and his wife, Ellen, in honor of the late Charles J. Volpe Sr. ’61, his children, and grandchildren who are graduates of the University. The synthetic-turf softball field will be named Magis Field, a name chosen by former University Trustee Dennis J. McGonigle ’82 and his wife, Rachel. Magis, the Latin word meaning “more,” refers to the relentless desire to do more – or greater – for the glory of God, which is a core Jesuit value and a key component of a Jesuit education.
The Quinn Athletics Campus is a $14 million initiative that will be dedicated this spring in honor of the University’s 25th president. The University’s soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball and softball Division III NCAA teams will play at the 11-acre athletics campus located along Broadway Street in Scranton. The campus also includes bleacher seating, a field house with team locker rooms and a training room, parking, a community basketball court and a children’s play area.
“The University has benefited greatly from the decades of generous support received from the benefactors whom we are pleased to honor through the naming of these fields,” said Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., interim president of The University of Scranton. “Their efforts have strengthened the Jesuit mission of the University by helping us to improve the student-athlete experience.”
A native of Lake Ariel, Weiss is president and CEO of The Cooper Companies (NYSE:COO) Pleasanton, California, a multinational manufacturer and marketer of specialty health care products that operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. During his distinguished 39-year career with The Cooper Companies, he has served as chief operating officer, chief financial officer, corporate controller and treasurer at Cooper, as well as president of CooperVision and a member of the company’s board of directors. On April 30, 2018, he will retire as CEO and president of Cooper but remain on the Cooper Board of Directors. He is also a member of the board of directors for Accuray Incorporated, a global radiosurgery leader. He was recognized in CEO Magazine for 40 Best Companies for Leaders for four years (2011-2014).
A former U.S. Army Captain who was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Army Commendation Medal during his service in Vietnam, Weiss is a certified public accountant and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University. In 2008, he received the University’s Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award. He is also a member of the University’s President’s Circle and Estate Society.
A native of Scranton, Marilyn Weiss, the former Marilyn Chesick, studied at the University through the Scranton State General Hospital School of Nursing. She served as head nurse at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York and as a pediatric nurse at Bayside Pediatrics in Pleasanton. She is now active with the Tri Valley Repertory Theatre in Pleasanton.
A resident of Chester Springs Pennsylvania, McGonigle is chief financial officer and executive vice president at SEI Investments, responsible for guiding the efforts of a number of teams within the company, including finance and accounting, corporate enterprise risk management, workforce development and the SEI Private Wealth Management unit. He is also integrally involved in the setting of SEI’s broader corporate strategy.
Prior to his appointment as CFO in 2002, McGonigle ran one of SEI’s operating segments. Previously, he served as head of product management, overseeing the product development and maintenance of products and services related to SEI’'s investment management offering, as well as SEI’s fund services area. He is also co-owner of Kimberton Whole Foods, a regional chain of organic and natural food markets. Dennis and his wife Rachel have three daughters, who all competed at the Division 1 level of college athletics. This led to their interest in supporting the University of Scranton athletics program and the new campus.
McGonigle was a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts (SJLA) Honors Program and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He also competed for the University as a member of the men’s golf and ice hockey teams. A member of the University’s President’s Business Council, he was recognized by the University in 2007 with the Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award and the University’s President’s Medal at the President’s Business Council’ Annual Award Dinner in 2017.
Charles J. Volpe Sr., who passed away in 1988, played baseball for the University as a student in the 1950s and early 1960s. A well-respected Scranton businessman and insurance entrepreneur, who founded Foxco Insurance Management Services, he was also an active political leader. He held local and county positions, including serving as deputy mayor of the city of Scranton and as a member of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. His wife Eleanor, who passed away in 2017, and his son, Chuck Volpe Jr., started the Charles J. Volpe Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University, which provides assistance for a student who is majoring in history, political science or international studies; has achieved academic excellence; and aspires to pursue a career in public service.
Chuck Volpe Jr. was a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts (SJLA) Honors Program and earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration. While at Scranton, he was president of the College Democrats and class vice president of Student Government. He earned his juris doctor degree from Duquesne University in 1985 and practiced law as a bond counsel and a trial lawyer before joining the family business. Like his father, he too ran for political office and currently hosts The Volpe Report, a political television show currently airing on FOX56 WOLF. He received the University’s Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017.
A formal dedication ceremony for The Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus will take place Tuesday, May 8, at 10 a.m.