UB ceremonially cut the ribbon on the new Brittany Murchie Mulla Sports Performance Center, which will provide student athletes with new gym equipment, last Thursday.
The new center comes five years after the construction of the Murchie Family Fieldhouse and is dedicated to the family's only daughter, Brittany Mulla. Longtime investors and members of the UB Athletics Shareholders Society members, the Murchie family made previous contributions, including a $100,000 donation to UB women’s basketball — the largest amount given to the team so far — and $220,000 to the renovation of the Edward L. Wright Practice Facility.
“Investing in the creation of centers like this one is an investment in student athletes, offering support for these future leaders not only promotes their physical, mental and emotional well being, but it is an investment towards their development of discipline and teamwork, crucial skills that are valuable both in sports and in life,” Mulla said.
Although Mulla herself is not a UB alumni, her parents are both UB graduates. Tunney Murchie, Mulla’s father, is heavily involved with UB Athletics from his graduation in 1975 , but prefers to avoid the spotlight.
“I’m pretty sure my father requested the center in my name just so he wouldn’t have to show up if he didn’t want to.” Mulla said.
Closing out her speech, Mulla called out to fellow UB community members to follow in her family's suit.
“I encourage our community to support these students, not only from the stands, but by investing into their future,” Mulla said.
Editor's note: This story was updated to correct a grammatical error.
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Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
