Following the Presidential Investiture Ceremony at Parents Field on Saturday (Nov. 7), the CMC community and CMS Athletics marked the history of the moment with the official dedication of the Sports Bowl at the Roberts Campus.
Led by current CMS scholar-leader-athletes in team shirts and red dedication caps, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters cheered as they streamed through the Arcade underneath Claremont Boulevard, which now connects the eastern edge of CMC with the Roberts Campus.
While Phase One of the Sports Bowl’s new set of state-of-the-art facilities and playing fields opened in August, the afternoon ceremony gave the College an opportunity to recognize the project’s key contributors and benefactors. Specifically, Ken Valach ’82, Chair of CMC’s Board of Trustees, highlighted the visions of former CMC Presidents Jack Stark ’57 GP’11, Pamela Gann, and Hiram Chodosh for helping the College reach new levels of ambition and prominence.
Valach also paid special tribute to David Mgrublian ’82 P’11, Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus, who oversaw the Sports Bowl’s development and construction on behalf of the Board. Valach shared that people often ask him how such a substantial project was completed so quickly: “There are a lot of people to thank, but there’s really one leader, and that’s David Mgrublian.” Erica Jasper, the William B. Arce Director of Athletics, Physical Education, & Recreation, added that Mgrublian’s “advocacy for our CMS student athletes … helped move this project from an idea to this remarkable reality we are celebrating today.”
During his time on the dedication platform, Mgrublian recognized the people and partnerships that made the Sports Bowl possible, including the CMC and CMS support teams. In addition, he thanked BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, who also worked on the award-winning Robert Day Sciences Center, and various construction partners.
President Dudley further recognized public officials, including Congresswoman Norma Torres, who represents the Inland Empire; Claremont Mayor Jennifer Stark; Claremont City Council members Corey Calaycay and Sal Medina; and the presidents of CMS partner schools Harvey Mudd College (Harriet Nembhard ’91) and Scripps College (Amy Marcus-Newhall).
In addition to the main Sports Bowl complex, the Abbott Brown Family Central Plaza, Mike Sutton Plaza, Montgomery Flagpole (on the baseball/softball fields), Dr. Joe Spagna Memorial Flagpole, new CMC ROTC center, and Patrick G. Rogan Stadium were officially dedicated.
Read more and view photos from additional inauguration events, including an alumnae panel on leadership in higher education and President Dudley’s investiture ceremony.