Philanthropy
“A Fitting Tribute”
Dedication of the Miller A. Bugliari ’52 Athletics Center
“For 58 years, I have tried to contribute a little to the lives of all who have passed through the Pingry doors. Maybe, in some small way, this building will repay a little bit of Pingry’s confidence in me.”
by Pingry teams, students, and faculty following its opening in January.
With these words from the building’s namesake, the Miller A. Bugliari ’52 Athletics Center received its official dedication. On Saturday, May 20, over 500 Pingry donors and athletes were treated to a program honoring Pingry’s storied athletics history and current programs, along with a dedication of the building to Miller Bugliari ’52 himself. One of the most widely-anticipated projects created as a result of the Blueprint for the Future Campaign, the 45,300-square-foot facility has seen constant and enthusiastic use
Headmaster Nat Conard P ’09, ’11, taking the stage, thanked all in attendance and introduced a student-led video that displays the incredible impact of the Bugliari Athletics Center on Pingry student-athletes. “As you can see, we’ve made good on the promise we made when the Campaign launched,” he said. “Athletics are a priority at Pingry—period.”
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THE PINGRY REVIEW
On this day, over 500 Pingry community members entered the Bugliari Athletics Center, mingling and meeting with friends old and new. Pingry athletes greeted the guests with enthusiasm, and, when the buzzer sounded, guests took their seats for the day’s programming.
Following the video, Director of Athletics Carter Abbott praised Pingry athletes and coaches for their dedication and passion. She also remarked on the history of
Miller Bugliari ’52, P ’86, ’90, ’97, GP ’20, ’24 with his wife Elizabeth and their sons Boyce ’86, David ’97, and Anthony ’90, P ’20, ’24.
Pingry athletics, from the informal programs espoused by Dr. John Pingry to the remarkable athletes Pingry produces today—and even looking to the future. “If this is how far we’ve come from that barn in Elizabeth,” Mrs. Abbott said, “imagine how far we’ll go.” She also gave a sneak peek into the construction of the tennis courts, track, softball fields, and turf field for football and lacrosse, slated to be finished this autumn. “No other high school in New Jersey can rival the quality of the space we have created, and even few colleges can boast a space that elicits more pride and inspiration,” said Kevin Schmidt ’98, Chair of the Athletics Hall of Fame (AHOF) Committee. He thanked many of the