Dartmouth’s Historic Athletic Facility Has a New Name
A record-setting gift from Diana and Stephen Lewinstein ’63 P’98 will transform Dartmouth Athletics for generations to come
Dartmouth’s athletic facility formerly known as Alumni Gym now has a new name: the Lewinstein Athletic Center, thanks to a history-making gift that will transform Dartmouth’s ability to support all students who participate in athletics, as well as support coaches and staff in the pursuit of Big Green athletic excellence.
The gift and bequests from Diana and Stephen Lewinstein ’63 P’98, the largest in the history of Dartmouth Athletics, was announced in 2023 during Lewinstein’s 60th class reunion.
The unveiling of the new name, now boldly displayed over the main entry, took place in a celebratory dedication on a brisk Homecoming weekend that included remarks from President Sian Leah Beilock; Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation Mike Harrity; Lexi Dewire ’24, captain of Dartmouth Women’s Tennis; and Dartmouth Board of Trustees Chair Elizabeth Cahill Lempres ’83 TH’84.
Addressing the Class of ’63 and friends, President Beilock said, “I grew up playing soccer, basketball, and cross country. So many of the most important life skills I learned because I was an athlete. Leadership, resilience, the ability to come together with people of different backgrounds, perspectives, ways of doing things — yet all of you, together, trying to achieve something bigger than yourself. Dartmouth is a better community when every one of our students has those skills and those experiences.”
Stephen Lewinstein offered brief remarks on behalf of himself and his late wife, Diana, who died in September of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He explained that his desire to make the gift stemmed from his concern about the mental health of students following the deaths a few years ago of students both at Dartmouth and other NCAA schools. “Student athletes today have the pressure of maintaining academic standing while devoting large amounts of time to practice and participating in games,” Lewinstein said. “We hope to be able to identify mental problems early and save lives,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of supporting student mental health and wellness.
Son Marc Lewinstein ’98, who was active in athletics as an undergraduate and played club rugby, also seconded the intention of the gift, saying, “I hope that the mental health and wellness component of this gift will be valuable for the students today and for those to come.”
The Dartmouth marching band, cheer team, and a cohort of student athletes from all areas of athletics were on hand to Give a Rouse. The level of enthusiasm notched up even higher as dozens of Class of 1963 classmates and spouses heartily cheered on the dedication.
The wide-reaching impact of this gift will enable investments in the health, wellness, and competitiveness of Dartmouth’s student-athletes. Plans include the creation of a centralized athletic training facility that will add functionality, efficiency, and cutting-edge therapeutic tools to support health and wellness. The funding also provides Dartmouth Peak Performance program (DP2) with more resources to elevate athletic excellence at the varsity level.
