UTICA — Utica University’s track and field complex has been named after Laura Casamento, the university’s retiring president.

The track and field complex opened in 2021 and features a turf field that can be utilized for football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse and softball. The field is encompassed by an eight-lane track with a press box and NCAA-compliant lighting.

A dedication was held at the complex on Wednesday, where university officials and family members of Casamento were in attendance to witness the ceremony and congratulate the president on the honor and the legacy she will soon leave behind.

The complex will now be known as the Laura M. Casamento Track and Field Complex.

"Her steady leadership in challenging times, particularly through the pandemic, has strengthened the university and raised its profile nationally while securing the safety of the families we serve," said Robert Brvenik, chairperson of the university’s board of trustees. "It is only appropriate that we should celebrate and recognize the career of this remarkable leader, colleague and friend by naming this complex in her honor."

The dedication comes on the heels of Casemento’s upcoming retirement this August and as she prepares to attend her final undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies this week as president of the university. The university’s provost, Todd Pfannestiel, will be taking her place as president upon her retirement.

Casamento has been with the university for nearly 20 years, joining the university in 2004 as vice president for institutional advancement, later becoming executive vice president and chief advancement officer. In 2016, she became the ninth president of the university and the first female president in the university’s 77-year history.

According to Utica University officials, Casamento has played a crucial role in increasing external funding for the university, making higher education more affordable for students while delivering high value results and improving the university’s graduation rates.

"The naming of the [Laura M.] Casamento Track and Field Complex is a tremendous honor, it’s a recognition that I accept humbly and with great pride," Casamento said. "Utica University is part of the heartbeat of this city. It’s part of the soul of the Mohawk Valley and it’s part of my heart forever."