'Roo Soccer Complex Getting Lights, Named for Dr. Jack Pierce

Dr. Jack Pierce, longtime Austin College biology faculty member and health sciences advisor, was a faithful supporter of Austin College athletes. With his sudden death last fall, athletes lost one of their most devoted enthusiasts.

Though Jack's friendship and support are greatly missed in the campus community, his name long will be remembered through the creation of the Dr. Jack Pierce Memorial Soccer Complex. Work has begun to add event lighting to the soccer fields, funded in part by a major gift from Dr. Pierce's family.

When the switch is flipped, the lighting will have a two-fold, positive effect—first, creating an additional, safe gathering place for students; and second, adding much-needed flexibility for athletics scheduling. The project is scheduled for completion by fall 2017.

"Jack was our number one fan," said athletics director David Norman. "He supported all of our programs by attending all home events when possible. As our NCAA faculty representative, he also spent countless hours serving in an advisory capacity in issues regarding student athlete eligibility and welfare."

Other significant donors to the project include Lee Dean Ardell '74, Tom Hall '78, and Ann Ross '66. For more information about giving to the Dr. Jack R. Pierce Memorial Soccer Complex fund, contact David Norman at 903.813.2499 or dnorman@austincollege.edu.