Providence College Athletics
Honoring Providence College Athletic Legends
3/7/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
March 7, 2005
Providence College athletics has a rich and storied tradition featuring some of the most influential names in sport. This small Dominican college of 3,800 students has enjoyed exceptional contributions from players, coaches, administrators and staff. It is important that we take pride in this tremendous history and pay tribute to those special people who helped make Providence College what it is today.
On February 19, 2005, the athletic department along with the Alumni Relations office, the College community and Friar basketball fans from around the nation celebrated "A Year to Remember," a tribute to Dave Gavitt's 1972-73 Final Four team. Over 450 Friar fans took part in this gala event which took place at the Westin hotel in downtown Providence following the Providence vs. Notre Dame game at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.
During Coach Gavitt's tenure at Providence, he led the Friars to eight straight 20-win seasons, five NCAA tournament appearances, three NIT appearances, and wins over 23 top-20 teams.
Among the evening's highlights were wonderful presentations by All-American Ernie DiGregorio, former Assistant Coach Dee Rowe, and Dave Gavitt. Joey Hassett, another Providence All-American and NBA champion, did an excellent job as emcee of the event. Each speaker had humorous stories to share and everyone enjoyed reliving the season's magical moments through a video highlight film.
On April 16, 2005, we will pay tribute to another Providence College athletic legend, Helen Bert. Known as "The Original Lady Friar," Mrs. Bert was a pioneer in women's athletics and will always be remembered as one of the most influential figures in college history. As Dave Gavitt stated, "Helen was a pivotal figure who set the tone for the College's women students. When many other colleges and universities struggled with the conversion to women's athletics, Helen engineered a smooth one for Providence College. She was a gifted educator who was committed to the student-athletes."
Mrs. Bert was appointed the first woman administrator in the Providence College Department of Athletics and during her 17-year tenure she served as assistant and associate athletic director, molding the women's athletics program into one of the country's finest. In 1984, Mrs. Bert was the first woman inducted into the Providence College athletic Hall of Fame. She retired in 1988.
Dave Gavitt, the 1972-73 Final Four team, and Helen Bert are but a few of the great contributors to Providence College's athletic legacy. We hope to continue our new tradition of honoring these outstanding people and ask you to join with us in celebrating the many contributions they have made to Providence College over the years.
For information on the Helen Bert Gala to be held at the Westin Providence, please contact Steve Napolillo at 401-865-2407.
Go Friars!
