Courtesy: Stony Brook Athletic Communications
Stony Brook, N.Y. - Dedication ceremonies for the Thomas & Nicolina Nasti Academic Hall were held last evening on the campus of Stony Brook University. The dedication of the hall was made possible by a gift from Maura and Richard Nasti '78. The hall is a part of the Goldstein Family Student-Athlete Development Center.
A 100-seat study hall/multi-purpose room, the Thomas & Nicolina Nasti Academic Hall is a part of a 6,000 square foot facility that Stony Brook student-athletes use to help in their pursuit of their academic goals. The facility also includes a state-of-the-art computer lab, a career resource/library and private tutor areas.
Thanks to the generous donation by Rick and Maura Nasti, the Hall was named in honor of Mr. Nasti's parents, Thomas & Nicolina. "Stony Brook has given my family a tremendous opportunity for which I will be eternally grateful," Rick Nasti said. "My donation was a small way of saying thank you while recognizing two amazing people. I hope you use this event and the emotions of last night as a catalyst for others to do the same." The current chair of the Stony Brook Council, Mr. Nasti graduated summa cum laude from Stony Brook University in 1978 with a double major in economics and political science and has served in a number of private sector and public service positions throughout his career. He obtained his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law in 1981 and is admitted to practice law in the State of New York. He is currently the senior vice president of H.J. Kalikow & Company, one of New York City's most respected real estate development, construction and management firms. "Jim Fiore and his staff deserve a great deal of thanks for the excellent job they did," remarked Nasti. "Jim and his staff have raised the stature and class of Stony Brook Athletics, and I know we are all very proud of their work."
The dedication ceremony included a welcome by Director of Athletics Jim Fiore and comments by Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny (President of Stony Brook University), Dr. John B. Clark (Chancellor, The State University of New York), Father John Cremins and Mike Russell (members of SUNY's Board of Trustees), Giovanni Favilli (Vice Consul, Consulate General of Italy) and Senators Alfonse D'Amato and Kenneth P. Lavalle. "Rick Nasti and his family have shown great philanthropic support for Stony Brook University, our Athletics Department and the student-athletes we serve by choosing to recognize his parents Thomas and Nicolina by naming the Academic Hall in their honor," said Fiore. "As a University and an Athletics Department, we also place a high value on loyalty to family and team and are proud to share in this opportunity to celebrate Rick and his family." Rick and Maura Nasti were also joined in the celebration by many family and friends including their two children Brian and Julia as well as Rick's father Thomas Nasti and wife Lora.