As one approaches the University of Rhode Island from the west on Route 138, a new building adjacent to the playing fields catches the eye. This exciting addition to the University and Kingston community is the International Scholar-Athlete Hall of Fame. The new edifice is the most recent accomplishment of the Institute for International Sport, whose headquarters have been housed at the University since its founding in 1986. The cost of the building, which will encompass some 10,000 square feet, was paid for by a $1 million donation from Rhode Island philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein, as well as by other private donors.

The Institute's mission centers on the promotion of improved relations among the nations of the world through the encouragement of serious scholarship, ethical behavior and good sportsmanship among the youth of the world's nations. The Institute achieves this goal through programs such as the World Scholar-Athlete Games, the United States Scholar-Athlete Games and the Rhode Island Student-Athlete Games, all held at various times in the 1990s at the University. In addition, similar games have been held with increasing frequency in countries throughout the world. The Institute has sponsored a Sports Corps Program in various countries, Renaissance Games at various educational institutions, and an annual National Sportsmanship Day, among other events designed to fulfill its mission.

The Hall of Fame held its opening in June, 1999, with its first induction ceremony. The list of charter members is indeed a distinguished group - international in scope - and includes Associate Justice Byron "Whizzer" White, former Senator Bill Bradley, former Presidents Gerald Ford and George Bush, first four-minute miler Dr. Roger Bannister and former All-American football player and world renown actor and signer, the late Paul Robeson.

The Hall of Fame's mission reads:

to honor those individuals who exemplify the scholar-athlete ideal

to foster and spread the scholar-athlete ideal globally

to serve as a worldwide educational resource center

The International Scholar-Athlete hall of Fame will be opened to the public in the fall, 1999. Some of its features include an exhibit hall and museum, a library, a sports photography gallery, artwork displays and a lecture hall/classroom. Programs will include educational opportunities for elementary and middle school children, an annual lecture series, seminars addressing current issues on sport and a Hall of Fame Press. The Institute's headquarters will be housed in the Hall of Fame.

The University and State community will surely be blessed by this rich resource at the doorstep of the University. Dan Doyle, founder of the Institute for International Sport, and his staff have spent countless hours bringing the Hall of Fame to fruition.

-- Bill Woodward.