Kean U. dedicates sports hall in alumni’s honor
Kean University has renamed the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in honor of alumnus and major benefactor Abner Benisch of Livingston.
The ceremony was held during the school’s 2010 Homecoming festivities on Oct. 23.
At the dedication, Benisch’s great grandson, Evan, pulled back curtains covering a large sign and video display that was erected in Benisch’s honor.
“The greatest thrill for me is that one of my children and my grandchild is here to see this,” said Benisch during the ceremony. “I’d like to thank all of you wonderful athletes for showing up today. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.’’
Benisch, a 1940 Kean graduate who was a champion tennis and basketball player during his college years, also thanked Norma, his wife of 63 years.
Glenn Hedden, athletic director of Kean University, said “Abner Benisch never forgot where he came from and what Kean meant to him. He became a benefactor and we all thank him.”
Kenneth Heyman, president of the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest, praised Abner and Norma Benisch as “active participants and contributors in the Jewish community for decades. It is important we remember those that preceded us and the legacy of good deeds that they provided through their actions.”
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