Ohio Northern University dedicated Dial-Roberson Stadium’s new gate and entrance plaza, the England Gate, named in honor of alumnus Dale “Bud” England Jr., on Sept. 22.

Surrounded by family, friends and the ONU community, England, along with ONU President Daniel A. DiBiasio, introduced the new structure to the stadium. England also served as honorary team captain in the game following the ceremony.

England, who graduated from Ohio Northern in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, is the very definition of a proud Polar Bear. As a student-athlete, he gave his all to help his team. As an alumnus, he continues to do so.

Football was part of the reason England decided to attend ONU, and he still believes in the power of sports to build character and confidence in young men and women. As a reflection of this belief, England decided to support ONU athletics by funding a fence project to enclose Dial-Roberson Stadium.

Modeled after the existing stadium structure, this first-class design features a grand entrance gate and a large open pavilion to welcome campus visitors. It allows ONU to better account for numbers of guests, charge admission and host playoff games for high school tournaments. Long term, a capital project like this one serves as a springboard to enhance the stadium with other features such as lights and turf.