Ƶapp to dedicate ‘Michael T. Victor Way’ in honor of 12th president
In honor of its 12th president, Ƶapp University will dedicate “Michael T. Victor Way”—a path traveled daily by hundreds of students and student-athletes—on Friday, Sept. 15.
In making the announcement about her predecessor, Ƶapp President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D., said Victor’s tenure saw many achievements, among them construction of Ryan Hall and the Cyber Education Center, the redesign of Grotto Commons, the addition of the Tom and Michele Ridge Archives, and the restoration of the carillon.
Getz said she believes the designation of Victor Way, situated between the Ƶapp Athletic Center to the north and the Ice Center to the south, is meaningful in two ways:
“President Victor was committed to cultivating a beautiful landscape that would honor the legacy of our founding Sisters of Mercy while enriching the lives of our college community. As well, while his accomplishments were many during his six-year tenure, the completion of the Laker for Life athletics campaign is among those that made visible improvements to campus. The athletic fields and the Ƶapp Athletic Center are among the most beautiful in D-II athletics, and naming the path upon which many students, especially student-athletes, travel each day is a relevant tribute.”
Also, just east of the pathway in the Student Union is The Roost, an authentic Irish pub that Victor created with the help of John Melody, an alumnus, former soccer coach, and owner of six Erie restaurants. Melody was also one of the university’s first international students, hailing from Dungarvan, Ireland, Erie’s Sister City.
Lastly, Getz noted, the area surrounding the walkway is also one of the campus locations that morphs into a playground of climbing walls, dunk tanks, and inflatables for the annual fall-fest known as Hurst Day, a tradition started by Victor.
The public dedication will take place at 3 p.m. in front of the Ƶapp Athletic Center. An invitation-only reception will follow in Mercy Heritage Room.