The Binghamton University athletics department is now $1 million richer, thanks to a donation from renowned local physician Dr. Bai Lee.
Just a few years ago, the preceding sentence would have been unthinkable. At one point, our men’s basketball team was the only Division I program in the nation — there were 342 at the time — to not have a single win. It is remarkable how far we have come. The Editorial Board would like to both thank Dr. Lee for his unprecedented generosity, and commend President Harvey Stenger and Athletic Director Patrick Elliott for their hard work toward the continued growth of the University.
This donation will do wonders for our underwhelming athletic track record. Binghamton University is on a path of expansion, and an impressive academic reputation is no longer enough for a flagship state institution. While all the funds have not been allocated, the initial plans include the renovation and expansion of the Binghamton Student-Athlete Success Center, the strength and conditioning program as well as the sports medicine team. This will greatly improve the facilities that most appeal to prospective recruits. Better recruits will lead to an increased chance for improvement of the overall performance of BU’s sports teams.
But this gift is bigger than our sports teams. It is a message to current and future wealthy alumni that Binghamton University is a worthy recipient of large donations.
Dr. Bai Lee is not an alumnus of BU. He has no direct connection to the University; he’s a city resident who has pride in BU and feels that it benefits the community. While we’ve said before that we hope graduates give back to the University, we are humbled that someone without four years of foot traffic on the Brain is moved by our school. And if Dr. Bai Lee can feel compelled to give so much, there must be alumni out there who will do the same.
Binghamton University has an abundance of nameless buildings — think Science 1-5 or the East and West Gyms — and the most unique names emblazoned on dorms come from local counties. This campus is a blank canvas, and money is the paint. There are a multitude of opportunities for donors to make a big, permanent mark on Binghamton University. Not only will their names live on long after they are gone, but the University will be able to use the funds to continue to improve.
We’re excited to see both the immediate benefits from Dr. Lee’s donation and the long-term growth that will ensue. No matter who you are, where you’re from or what you’re passionate about, we’d love to see your name here. On November 15, the Events Center basketball court will officially become the Dr. Bai Lee Court. We hope that this is a catalyst for more.