Alum's gift paves way to new stadium for SCH Academy

Posted 10/31/13

On Saturday, Oct. 26, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new sports stadium and announced that it has received a “transformative” gift from alumnus Jamie …

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Alum's gift paves way to new stadium for SCH Academy

Posted

On Saturday, Oct. 26, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new sports stadium and announced that it has received a “transformative” gift from alumnus Jamie Maguire, Chestnut Hill Academy Class of 1978.

The school would not say what the amount of the gift was but said it marks the second largest contribution to the first phase of “Common Ground,” the capital campaign for the campus master plan.

Maguire, members of his family and the 1978 classes of Chestnut Hill Academy and Springside School were on hand during the schools' Homecoming Weekend to mark the celebration for Maguire Stadium.

Maguire, chairman of the board of Philadelphia Insurance Companies, is an avid sports enthusiast who was a vital member of the 1977 undefeated Chestnut Hill Academy Athletic Hall of Fame football team, as well as the tennis and wrestling teams.

“I am thrilled to support Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in a way that will not only impact the school’s athletic community, but will also serve as a central gathering place to celebrate both boys and girls athletics.” Maguire said. “Maguire Stadium, home to the Blue Devils, will bear witness to many milestone events for the school and its students, and I hope they will look back fondly on their time at SCH Academy as I did at CHA.”

The 3,200-square-foot structure, designed by Wallace Roberts & Todd and built of Wissahickon schist and concrete with metal railings, will house 552 spectators for SCH Academy’s sports teams.

“Jamie’s enthusiasm for our athletic program and the goal of Common Ground has been a major driver for the school during this campaign,” said Dr. Priscilla Sands, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy president. “He singlehandedly led a funding challenge for the Chestnut Hill Academy and Springside classes of 1978 to build momentum for the entire project. Jamie is a vital philanthropic partner for our school and an inspiring role model for our students who will benefit from his generosity.”

Construction on Maguire Stadium is slated to begin at the end of 2013, with completion in the late spring of 2014. SCH has worked out an arrangement with Chestnut Hill Youth Sports to take the existing aluminum bleachers and re-use them at another location for area teams.

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