In recognition of the continued generosity of Milan”Mike”Puskar to West Virginia University athletics, academic programs and scholarships, WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. announced today (Nov. 24) that WVU ’s football stadium will be named Milan Puskar Stadium, home of Mountaineer Field.
“I can’t think of a finer gentleman, business leader or friend with whom West Virginia University could be linked,”Hardesty said.”Over the years Mike has been an ardent supporter of WVU . His giving has touched many areas across WVU and benefitted thousands of our students. The naming of the stadium in his honor recognizes not only his financial generosity, but also his contributions of time, energy and expertise to this University.”
Puskar is the co-founder and Chairman of Mylan Laboratories Inc., one of the largest and most successful generic pharmaceutical companies in the United States. Puskar’s most recent donation of $20 million to the WVU Foundation’s Building Greatness Campaign is another testament of his ongoing philanthropy and commitment to excellence, Hardesty noted. Puskar’s latest personal gift designated $14.5 million to athletics and $5.5 million for academic needs.
“How do you properly say thank you for such generosity, given from the heart? We are doing so by naming our football complexMilan Puskar Stadium, the home of Mountaineer Field,”said Ed Pastilong, WVU Director of Athletics.”I can’t think of anything that will mean more to Mike than to have his name permanently associated with the home of the Mountaineers. What he has done will benefit thousands of young men and women and especially our athletes for generations to come.”
WVU’s Board of Governors approved the naming opportunity at its November meeting. Hardesty said University officials made a conscious decision to not immediately share the board’s action during last week’s announcement because they wanted to focus on Puskar and the magnitude and generosity of his personal commitment.
Public recognition of the stadium naming will take place at the Saturday, Nov. 29, WVU – Temple game.