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Built to Rise Launch Event Marks Bold Step Forward
Celebratory evening highlights how investment in athletics will strengthen community and elevate the Stonehill experience.
The launch of Stonehill's Built to Rise campaign—an ambitious $50 million effort to elevate Division I athletics through new facilities, including the Tom & Kathleen Bogan Arena, Athletic Fields Complex, and expanded opportunities for students—took place on Thursday, May 14, in the Pettit Atrium of the Shields Science Center.
The event brought together Stonehill Trustees, alumni, students, coaches and supporters for an evening filled with energy and shared purpose.
Emcee Duke Castiglione ’96, lead sports anchor at WCVB Channel 5, set the tone by connecting the campaign to the bigger picture, noting “how investing in athletics can transform the student experience, enhance our community and elevate Stonehill as a whole.” His remarks framed the night as both a celebration and an invitation to support Built to Rise.
That impact came into focus through the voice of Grace Murphy ’26, women's lacrosse captain and NEC Offensive Player of the Year, who reflected on her Stonehill journey, “From the home playoff games and historic wins at W.B. Mason Stadium to raising the NEC championship trophy, being a Skyhawk has allowed me to excel not only on the field but off the field as a leader and member of the community."
Women's Lacrosse Captain Grace Murphy ’26 and WCVB Leads Sports Anchor Duke Castiglione ’96
Building on that theme, Trisha Brown, head coach of women’s basketball and a 25-year leader of the program, emphasized what distinguishes Stonehill’s approach, describing student-athletes as “so much more than athletes—they are rockstars in the classroom and in the community.”
David Berard, head coach of men’s ice hockey, reinforced the forward-looking momentum behind the initiative, highlighting the importance of ambition and investment. “When institutions invest boldly, success follows,” he noted, capturing the mindset driving Stonehill’s rise in Division I competition.
Trisha Brown, Head Coach of Women's Basketball
David Berard, Head Coach of Men's Ice Hockey
Closing the evening, President John Denning, C.S.C., brought the message back to community and momentum, calling Built to Rise “an important moment in Stonehill history." He also underscored that the campaign is a key part of the College’s strategic plan, as Stonehill continues to invest in its future.
Together, the evening made clear that Built to Rise is not just about facilities—it is about strengthening the student experience, building community and positioning Stonehill for continued success.
Stonehill President John Denning, C.S.C.
Jim Reddish ’96, men's soccer head coach; Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., president; Rev. Tim Mouton, C.S.C., director of Campus Ministry and athletic chaplain; Alexsa Caron ’28, women's ice hockey; Lee-J Mirasolo, women's ice hockey head coach; Trisha Brown, women's basketball head coach; Julia Webster ’28, women's basketball; Ali Maloof, women's softball head coach; Alex Wilson ’08, women's soccer head coach; Dean O’Keefe ’94, director of Athletics; Tom Bogan ’72, Stonehill trustee
Elijah Byrd ’27 and Matt Page ’27
"Voice of the Red Sox" Joe Castiglione P ’96, Hon. ’25