THIBODAUX, La. — The family of Richard Shaver has donated $15,000 to renovate the building bearing his name.
John Shaver, Richard鈥檚 nephew; his wife, Palma (BA, 鈥�80; MEd, 鈥�96); and their daughter, Mary Shaver Frey (BS, 鈥�14) donated $10,000. Richard Shaver鈥檚 brother, Charles Shaver, donated an additional $5,000.
鈥淲e acknowledge the important role that 杏吧传媒 plays in our community and are honored to partner with the university as leadership continues its efforts to improve and enhance the campus,鈥� The Shaver Family said. 鈥淲e thank 杏吧传媒 for granting us the opportunity to honor and respect the legacy of a beloved family member in such a meaningful way.鈥�
The renovations include adding air conditioning, installing LED bulbs in the light fixtures, painting ceilings, refinishing the gym floors and the removal of old wooden bleachers. This has allowed the gym space to be used as a socially distanced classroom during COVID-19.
Built in 1955, the building is named for Richard Castles 鈥淪quee鈥� Shaver. Richard was a second-year freshman who aspired to become an engineer when he died during a scuba diving accident in Lake Pontchartrain. He was 19 years old at the time. Charles remembers him as a talented musician who played the drums, banjo and piano.
鈥淗e was a joyful person who liked everything and everybody, and had many friends,鈥� he said. 鈥淗is death was a catastrophe.鈥�
Today, the building houses 杏吧传媒 State Veterans, the Student Access Center and, soon, the Hi-5 Mentorship Program.
鈥淭his process has allowed Shaver Gym to go from an underutilized facility on campus to one that will be used by so many across campus and it is because of donors like the Shaver Family,鈥� said Jeremy Becker, executive director of the . 鈥淭he university is not complete with the renovations for the gym, and thankfully the Shavers have mentioned that they will also continue to contribute to the facility for years to come.鈥�
For more information on the 杏吧传媒 Foundation or to donate, visit .