Gift to UC San Diego Lights the
Way for Intramural and Competitive
Sports Teams to Play into the Night
May 3 dedication of Warren Field lighting honors UCSD alumnus Jon Sundt,
whose $200,000 gift will enhance student life for years to come.

April 26, 2007

By Laura Margoni

Students who participate in intramural and competitive club sports at the University of California, San Diego will soon be able to extend their practice and playing time at Warren Field thanks to the installation of new lights, which will be switched on during a dedication ceremony on Thursday, May 3 at 7pm.

“With over 11,000 UC San Diego students participating in intramural sports each year, it’s important that we try to avoid conflicts between classes and practice times,” said Joseph W. Watson, UCSD vice chancellor of Student Affairs.  “Now with the installation of lights on Warren Field, students will be able to practice well into the evening year around, which adds to the overall quality of student life here on campus.”

The metal halide lights were made possible by UC San Diego alumnus and La Jolla resident, Jon Sundt, whose generous gift of $200,000 provided the impetus for installing the lights.  An avid surfer, Sundt also participated in intramural sports during his university days in order to balance the rigorous demands of school.

“UCSD’s Recreation Department has been an important part of the overall college experience at the university for years,” Sundt noted. “I’m pleased to play a role in ensuring that future generations of students will benefit from the types of recreation programs that I enjoyed during my undergraduate years at UCSD.”

With a large number of the student population playing intramural sports and more than 900 students playing club sports, the new lights will have a positive impact on many students. 

"I participated in the Intramural softball league for both years I lived on campus, and I think playing sports is a great way for people to get to know each other better,” said Quinn Kennet, current Captain of the Men’s Ultimate Disc Team. “Field space has been an issue in the past, but the new lights on Warren Field will solve this problem.  The lights will also give our Ultimate Disc team the ability to hold regularly scheduled practices throughout the year, which is something we couldn’t do before.”

The dedication ceremony will include Dave Koch, director of UCSD Recreation and Vice Chancellor Watson, who will present Sundt with an appreciation gift.  More than 100 UCSD students from the intramural and club teams will also be on hand to celebrate.

Media Contact: Laura Margoni, 858-822-2485