HOOKSETT, N.H. – On Thursday, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) officially renamed Penmen Stadium after 1977 SNHU graduate and outgoing SNHU Board of Trustees Chairman Mark A. Ouellette.
Ouellette joined the school’s Board of Trustees in 1997. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the college, also playing basketball for SNHU and earning a place in the SNHU Alumni Hall of Fame in 2011. He ended his basketball career with 899 points and finished eighth all-time in rebounding among Penmen players.
“It’s only fitting that our student athletes and spectators will see your name as they enter the stadium in decades to come,” said SNHU Director of Athletics and Recreation Anthony Fallacaro.
In Thursday’s ceremony, SNHU President Paul LeBlanc praised Ouellette and reminisced on their friendship.
“He was a basketball player, he’s a Manchester kid, he’s a working class kid, I think we bonded over some of our background and he’s been a dedicated part of this community for a long time,” said LeBlanc.
LeBlanc hoped that what was New Hampshire College and now SNHU helped provided the opportunity that brought Ouellette success in his life and ultimately to Thursday’s moment. Oulette confirmed that and added that the college also provided that opportunity to his children and his grandchildren among others.
“I knew this day was going to eventually come, but I hoped that it wouldn’t. And it goes without saying that I am deeply humbled and thankful for everything going on today,” he said.
What was Penmen Stadium opened in 2018 and hosts the SNHU men’s and women’s teams in soccer, track and field, lacrosse and tennis with some field hockey contests as well.
