UMass Announces $2 Million Gift From Jim And Ellen Hunt For New Track/XC Performance Center

Source: Umass Athletics

Massachusetts Athletics announced on February 14, a $2 million gift from Dr. Jim ’77 and Ellen ’77 Hunt. The Hunts’ philanthropy serves as the lead gift in the department’s fundraising campaign to renovate and rename the “Cage,” the current training facility for the men’s and women’s cross country and track and field teams. The estimated $8 million capital project will create an indoor performance center for both programs and will be named in honor of the Hunts’ in recognition of their commitment to the university and its athletic programs. 

Project Overview

“The former Cage has tremendous memories for me, and I recall congregating with teammates before and after practice in the ancient locker room and around the facility. It was a historic time for cross country and track and field, as I had the honor of competing with six different All-Americans at UMass,” said Dr. Hunt. “Ellen and I are pleased to make this gift, knowing it will have a tremendous influence on the experiences and lives of future student-athletes.”  

UMass Amherst Chancellor Subbaswamy said, “Jim and Ellen Hunt have been deeply engaged participants in university life for decades and very generous UMass supporters. They are committed to providing a successful and rewarding experience for our student-athletes, and we are extraordinarily grateful for this immensely impactful gift.” 

Upon completion of his track career in 1977, Dr. Hunt held school records in the half mile, indoor and outdoor 800-meters, along with the 4×800-meter relay. To this date, 46 years later, the 800-meter, half mile and 4×800-meter records still stand. His connection to his former teammates has remained strong throughout the years.   

After graduation, Dr. Hunt attended Columbia University’s School of Dental and Oral Surgery and in 1984 returned to Amherst to open a private practice. Dr. Hunt has remained connected to UMass and the athletic department over the last 40 years with roles on the Court Club and UMass Amherst Foundation Boards, along with starting the GoMassNIL collective earlier this year. Ellen received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UMass in 1977 and 1993, respectfully. She has had a very successful career in nursing for over 35 years.   

“I want to applaud Jim and Ellen for this gift to support our cross country and track and field programs,” said Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford.  “Jim and Ellen have invested in UMass every year since graduation and over time have increased their level of involvement and financial commitment to the university. In addition, they have served on a number of leadership boards and committees in support of the flagship campus. This legacy gift is another example of how much pride they have in giving back and making a difference in the lives of our student-athletes. We are tremendously grateful and look forward to naming the renovated facility to honor their generosity.”  

The renovated two-level facility will be managed exclusively by the athletics department and will feature a grand lobby and entrance area that will honor the history of the programs and offer an inviting area for student-athletes, alumni/ae and recruits. The lower practice level will be covered with a track-specific surface and offer space for jumping and throwing events, along with a sprint straight-away. The second level will feature a practice track along with space for non-impact training. Currently located within the performance center are recently renovated coaches’ offices, team locker rooms and the Peter ’78 and Denise ’79 Bloom Academic Lounge. Adjacent to the lower level of the performance center is a training pool that will continue to provide additional workout space.    

“I want to acknowledge Jim and Ellen for this significant gift,” said Director of Cross Country & Track and Field David Jackson. “The renovated performance center will be a game-changer for our programs. We will have one of the premier training facilities in the Northeast that will allow our student-athletes optimum space and resources to develop while at UMass.” 

Of the $8 million project cost, $5 million will be raised through private philanthropy. Several other stakeholders have committed to help with the project and the current fundraising total stands at nearly $3.8M. Announcements on those gifts will be forthcoming over the next month. The athletic department has established a target of June 30, 2023, to get the remaining funding secured and move the project forward.   

For more information about this project or to support the fundraising campaign for the indoor performance center, please contact Ryan Boudway at ryan.boudway@umass.edu.