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Lambros Legacy Grows in Namesake Arena

Few held a love for Hartwick College deeper than Nick Lambros ’59, P’02, P’02, PM’03.

The former student-athlete, parent and legendary coach’s impact on the campus spanned more than six decades, during which he earned NCAA Coach of the Year honors twice while helping hundreds of Hawks to improve and excel.

He gave tirelessly to the College, from his teaching and example-setting to the exceptional sharing of his time and resources. Thus, when he passed away last fall, it was no surprise to witness all those who traveled to his celebration of life, fittingly, in the arena which served as his office for so long and now bears his name.

What was remarkable was the generosity showered upon the Nick Lambros Memorial Fund. Family, friends and community members marked his passing with their own selfless acts, ranging from large gifts to modest ones made through the organic “Live Like Nick” t-shirt campaign, coined by his daughters, Jacey and Maria.

Paul C. Vecchio

“The growth and immediacy of this fund’s impact is a testament to the influence Nick had and continues to have on Hartwick College. We’re now able to make investments that will provide near- and long-term benefits, and we know that would make him very happy.”

Paul Vecchio

Executive Director of Athletics

Those investments began with the installation of a new set of volleyball “standards,” the system of poles and hardware that secures the nets. This $10,000 purchase is especially timely, following the launch of the new men’s team this semester, complementing Hartwick’s women’s team which was formed 35 years ago.

Matt Ramirez '29 serving

Matt Ramirez ’29 serves during one of the inaugural men’s volleyball team’s early matches.

“The previous standards were made of steel and very heavy, which exerted a lot of pressure on the floor and our staff,” Vecchio explained. “This lighter, state-of-the-art system allows for a two-net setup, which lets them work on more scenarios during practice. It will also enhance our
program’s attractiveness to recruits.”

The largest upgrade, however, will be a new, 9′ X 12′ video board, which officials anticipate costing between $60,000 and $70,000. When installed on the far wall opposite the exit to the main foyer, it will significantly change the experience for fans and players.

“It will allow us to share video replays, player profiles and various graphics,” Vecchio envisioned. “It will help to modernize the arena and boost fan participation, while also adding to the appeal for corporate sponsors.”

The video board will enhance all Lambros Arena events, including those with no athletic connection. From new student open houses and orientations to convocation and nursing program pinning ceremonies, it will be an asset capable of enhancing every experience following its summer 2026 installation.

Vecchio also appreciates the fund’s ability to address a variety of maintenance issues. The retractable bleachers, for example, are nearly two decades old. Now, a new program has been designed to extend the life of the seats as well as the floor.

Yet, perhaps the most amazing aspect of the Nick Lambros Memorial Fund is the steady amount of philanthropy it continues to generate, with new donors continuing to step forward months after his passing. It sets a tone and is felt by today’s student-athletes. It helps them thrive, as evidenced by their 84% persistence rate from ’24-25 and their 3.2+ cumulative grade point average. In fact, half of the Class of ’25 is comprised of recruited athletes, and roughly 40% of all Hartwick undergraduates play at least one intercollegiate sport — numbers that would make Nick smile more than any scoreboard ever could.

“It feels very good to know the arena that bears Nick’s name is being taken care of the way he’d want,” Vecchio added. “It’s one of the signature facilities not only on our campus but across this region, and that means a lot to all of us, to be able to do this in Nick’s memory.”

If you would like to contribute to the Nick Lambros Legacy Fund, visit hartwick.imodules.com/remembernick or contact 607-431-4011 or [email protected].

 

To contribute to the Together, We Soar campaign, visit www.hartwick.edu/togetherwesoar or contact the Office of Advancement at 607-431-4081 or [email protected].

March 2, 2026
Campaign

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