Westminster College dedicated the Paul Ivan and Carolyn (Rocks) Sheaffer Press Box at the UPMC Sports Complex on Friday, Oct. 23. The naming, made possible through a gift from the Sheaffers’ son, Paul Sheaffer II, honors his parents’ legacy and longstanding connection to the College and Titan Athletics.

The dedication took place during a soccer doubleheader and recognized Paul Sheaffer’s contributions to the early history of Westminster soccer. A member of the Class of 1949, Sheaffer—who passed away in 1974—was part of the College’s first men’s soccer team, which began competing in 1946 under coach Harold Burry. Former team captain, he was posthumously inducted into the Titan Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

Carolyn (Rocks) Sheaffer, a member of the Class of 1947, passed away in 2005.

“This gift is a wonderful reflection of the deep and lasting connection that alumni and their families have with Westminster College,” said Nick McIntire, vice president for institutional advancement. “Gifts like this do more than enhance our campus facilities. They preserve the stories, traditions and accomplishments that make Westminster special. We are incredibly grateful to the Sheaffer family for ensuring that their connection to Westminster will continue for generations to come.”

The addition of the permanent press box completes the UPMC Sports Complex, which opened in 2021, and provides dedicated space for game-day operations for Westminster’s men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse programs. The facility houses announcers, scorekeepers, sports communication staff, media and other event personnel and eliminates the need to set up and dismantle temporary tents and equipment for each competition. It also provides offseason storage for team equipment.

“The press box completes the facility. It was the final piece for the UPMC field,” said Jason Lener '93, director of athletics. “It will help all four of our programs with recruiting, and it will now allow us to host championship soccer and lacrosse events.”

Previously, Westminster could not host high school soccer or lacrosse playoff competitions because the complex lacked dedicated space for media, radio personnel and event administrators. The new press box, which accommodates approximately 15 to 20 people, expands the College’s ability to host these events.

The ceremony featured remarks from Westminster President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson, Lener and Paul Sheaffer II, followed by the formal presentation recognizing the naming. Shane and Chasity Nigliazzo of Montgomery, Texas, parents of former Titan lacrosse player John Nigliazzo ’26, also made a financial commitment to the project and helped source materials for the press box. They attended the dedication.

At top, Paul Sheaffer '49 and Carolyn (Rocks) Sheaffer '47. Middle photo, Paul Sheaffer #64, soccer captain, pictured front row center. Bottom photo, from left, Westminster President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson, Shane and Chasity Nigliazzo, Paul Sheaffer II and Director of Athletics Jason Lener '93 in front of the Paul Ivan and Carolyn (Rocks) Sheaffer Press Box. 

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By Betsy Fontaine Hildebrand ’92
Betsy Fontaine Hildebrand ’92 is the director of communication in Westminster College's Office of Marketing and Communication.

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