Beren Funds New State-of-the-Art Tennis Center
Plans have been finalized for the new Robert M. Beren Tennis Center,
a state-of-the-art outdoor complex including 18 courts, a two-tiered pavilion,
and permanent spectator seating. Robert M. Beren '47, MBA '50, of Wichita,
Kan., has agreed to provide the necessary funding for the complex.
"Harvard's outdoor tennis courts were simply inadequate to meet
today's needs," said Beren, whose son Adam '83 played on the varsity
tennis team from 1979 to 1983, serving as captain during his final two years
and attaining All-American honors in doubles.
Beren continued: "Given the popularity of tennis, its benefits as
a sport for a lifetime, and the accomplishments of the varsity tennis programs,
I wanted the Harvard community to have a facility on a par with any university
in the country. It is my expectation that this new facility will have a
durability greatly exceeding what we have done in the past."
Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Jeremy R. Knowles said, "I
am so pleased that this exciting project is underway. Bob Beren's splendid
generosity will dramatically improve our outdoor tennis facilities and thus
benefit generations of our students."
"These courts will be wonderful not only for our intercollegiate
program but also for the entire Harvard student body, faculty, and staff,
as well as for Boston-area children attending summer tennis camps,"
said Director of Athletics William J. Cleary.
The new complex represents the second time that Robert Beren has stepped
forward for Harvard tennis. In 1981 he funded the construction of the present
eight-court Beren Tennis Center. Men's Tennis Coach David R. Fish claims
that the Center's quality helped in recruiting the outstanding players who
have rebuilt Harvard tennis into a national-caliber program. This 17-year-old
facility will be demolished and the area will then be utilized as part of
the new center.
"The new Robert M. Beren Tennis Center is a dream come true,"
commented Fish. "In 1900, Harvard had 102 courts -- the largest tennis
installation in the world. As we approach the year 2000, we can once again
boast a complex that is a gem among all tennis centers. The beautiful layout
will provide an intimate atmosphere for collegiate competitions and a club-like
environment for a community of Harvard tennis players."
Beren came to Harvard from Ohio in 1943. His freshman year was soon interrupted
by World War II. After returning from service in the U.S. Army, he "hurried
through" college and soon thereafter graduated with high distinction
as a Baker Scholar from the Business School. Today, he is owner and president
of BEREXCO INC., a Kansas-based oil and gas exploration company. Beren serves,
too, as president of Beren Corp., which also produces oil and gas and is
a securities investment enterprise. Further, he is owner of Central Crude
Corp.
Active in government and community affairs in both Kansas and Washington,
D.C., Beren led the Wichita School Board through a successful integration
process. He serves on Yeshiva University's board of trustees and executive
committee. He is a member of the Board of Overseers Committee on University
Resources and was a principal donor to Rosovsky Hall, the building which
houses Harvard-Radcliffe Hillel. Beren has four children and 12 grandchildren.
Robert Beren, who has maintained a long-term affection for the College,
returned to Cambridge last spring for his 50th reunion. His $3 million minimum
pledge for the new tennis center pushed the Class of 1947 total over the
$10 million mark. Beren's is the largest gift in the history of his class.
Beren credits his long relationships with Dave Fish, Billy Cleary, and
Jack Reardon, executive director of the Harvard Alumni Association and former
athletic director, as motivating factors in his support for the College.
"On my visits to Harvard and as we've worked together to plan the new
tennis complex, I've especially enjoyed seeing these good friends. I look
forward to our first doubles game on the new courts."
Copyright
1998 President and Fellows of Harvard College
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