The “Clyde & Millie:” One Field. Two Names. Countless Winners

Hartwick College is taking a unique step to honor a pair of local benefactors during Hartwick College’s True Blue Weekend 2019.

At halftime of the football game against King’s College (Pa.) on Saturday, September 21, the late W. Clyde and Mildred E. Wright will be honored with the naming of Hartwick’s new turf athletic field.

One field. Two names.

Wright Stadium, named after the family, is home to the College’s men’s football, women’s field hockey, and men’s and women’s lacrosse programs, as well as intramural sports including flag football and Ultimate Frisbee. Starting that day, all men’s sporting events played at the stadium will take place on “The Clyde;” women will play on “The Millie.”

Dr. Brian R. Wright, Esq. H’02 and his wife, Josie, supported Hartwick with a leadership gift for the new field, which was replaced this summer. The couple will lead a ceremony honoring his parents, at which time they will unveil a rotating sign in the archway leading into the stadium. The sign will be turned to rename the field for each event held there.

“Brian and Josie Wright carry on their family’s tradition of transformational philanthropy and community leadership,” said Hartwick College President Margaret L. Drugovich. “This project, so aptly named for Dr. Wright’s parents, will impact the experience of thousands of Hartwick College student-athletes. Brian and Josie set an example for the rest of us as they invest in the College they value, while celebrating the parents who taught them the importance of caring. They are a true inspiration.”

Born on the family’s Milford, NY, farm in 1908, Clyde Wright graduated from Oneonta High School. Supported by his wife, Millie Wright, he rose to become a business leader as the owner of Wright’s Electric Company in Oneonta, NY. Together, the Wrights devoted their lives to family, civic engagement, and philanthropic support of Hartwick College. Clyde’s dedication to the College included serving as a member of the Board of Trustees and founding the Hartwick College Citizens’ Board.

Brian and Josie Wright are longstanding supporters of Hartwick College. Their 29-consecutive-year donor history includes numerous transformational gifts to the College, including donating to the original stadium naming in 2006. In 2008 they were named Citizens of the Year by the Hartwick College Citizens’ Board.

“We thank the Wright family for their commitment to the College and support of our programs,” said Athletic Director John Czarnecki. “‘The Clyde & Millie’ will offer our teams a competitive advantage, in training, in game play, and through our recruiting efforts as well. It is not only a beautiful field, but one that will help our players stay healthy and perform at the peak of their abilities.”

General Manager Aramark Facilities Joe Mack said, “‘The Clyde & Millie’ Field features a deeper and longer fiber, which ensures that the infill – the layers under the turf – provides more cushion. The infill layering helps reduce injury, such as concussions, which can extend an athlete’s career.”

Dr. Wright explained the essence of his father’s lifetime support for the College. “He knew that Hartwick is part of what makes people want to work and live here,” he said. “The stronger Hartwick is, the stronger the community will be.”

The new turf field was installed over three weeks this summer by Chenango Contracting, Inc. of Johnson City, NY, replacing one that had served the College well for more than 10 years.

For more information on “The Clyde & Millie,” contact Major Gifts Officer Susanne Jones ’95 at (607) 431-4432 or [email protected].