Honoring a Basketball Legend: La Salle Dedicates Tom Gola Plaza and Way

In a heartfelt ceremony, La Salle University celebrated the legacy of one of its most revered basketball icons, Tom Gola. The dedication of Tom Gola Plaza and Way marked a significant milestone in the university's efforts to honor its storied past and pave the way for a bright future.

Preserving the Legacy of a Basketball Titan

Gola's Humble Approach to Accolades

As La Salle men's basketball coach Fran Dunphy addressed the crowd of alumni at the dedication ceremony, he remarked that Gola, the National Player of the Year on the 1954 Explorers national championship roster, would have likely opposed being honored. Dunphy's lighthearted observation highlighted Gola's modest nature and his preference for letting his achievements speak for themselves. "As much as this is Tom Gola Way, this is not his way of celebrating his life because that's not how he lived," Dunphy said, underscoring Gola's unassuming character.

Memorializing a Basketball Legend

Despite Gola's reluctance to be celebrated, the university has ensured that his legacy will be forever etched in the fabric of the campus. A bronze statue of Gola now sits at the center of the plaza that bears his name, a fitting tribute to the man who left an indelible mark on the sport of basketball. Additionally, the road leading up to the TruMark Financial Center, which houses the newly renovated John Glaser Arena, has been renamed from La Salle Drive to Tom Gola Way, further solidifying his place in the university's history.

Honoring the Past, Investing in the Future

The renaming and dedication ceremony are part of a broader renovation project aimed at enhancing La Salle's athletic facilities. The upgrades to the basketball arena, including a new audio and visual system, renovated air-conditioning, and state-of-the-art video boards, are the first step in a multiyear plan to improve the university's athletic infrastructure. This investment in the future is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the university's position as a premier destination for student-athletes and fostering a vibrant campus community.

Athletics as the "Front Porch" of the University

Athletic director Ashwin Puri and university president Dr. Daniel Allen emphasized the importance of athletics, particularly basketball, in serving as the "front porch" of the institution. The renovations to the basketball facility are designed to create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for students, alumni, and the broader community. Puri expressed the university's goal of cultivating an environment that encourages students to choose La Salle, have a memorable experience, and ultimately become lifelong supporters of the institution.

Prioritizing the Well-being of the Community

The dedication ceremony was not without its unexpected moments, as a member of the La Salle community portraying the university's mascot collapsed during the event. The swift response from university leaders, including Allen, Puri, and the chair of the board of trustees, Ellen E. Reilly, demonstrated the institution's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its community members. "People matter more than anything else," Allen said, underscoring the university's values and the importance of fostering a caring and supportive environment.

Celebrating the City's Involvement

The dedication ceremony also included the participation of Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass, who presented Allen with a citation from the city of Philadelphia to officially rename La Salle Way to Tom Gola Way and change the address of La Salle Athletics to 15 Tom Gola Way. This collaboration between the university and the city highlights the broader community's recognition and appreciation of Gola's legacy and the university's efforts to honor its past while investing in its future.

Anticipating the First Game in the Renovated Arena

As the dedication ceremony concluded, donors were given a tour of the newly renovated John Glaser Arena, which is still awaiting the installation of its retractable sideline seating. The basketball program is expected to be able to utilize the space in early October, with the men's team scheduled to play the first game in the arena on November 4th against American. This milestone event will mark the beginning of a new era for La Salle basketball, one that builds upon the rich history and traditions established by legends like Tom Gola.