Purchased by RPI during the 1970s, the Robison softball field currently serves as both a little league baseball field and softball field for the Institute. A donation from the Robison Family Foundation helped complete its renovation last year.

Highlighting the events of dedication were a presentation of two Waterford baseball/engraved base gifts to Elissa Prout and Richard Robison, daughter and son of Doris B. Robison and Ellis "Roby" Robison; the revealing of the dedication sign above the scoreboard; and the ceremonial first pitch of the softball game against Union College thrown by William Prout Jr., Elissa Prout’s grandson.

"Athletics is very important in the minds of students. He (Richard Robison) felt there was a great need there," said Bob Ducatte, director of athletics. "Through his generosity, we’ve come to this point where we’re dedicating this field."

"Athletics present athletes an opportunity to become well-rounded individuals. It means so much to all of us to play on world-class fields," said PU Ariania Twitchell. She added that athletes could not represent Rensselaer well without the support of the Robison family.

The Robison family has a long history of philanthropic involvement in assisting the advancement of Rensselaer athletics.

Their contributions have helped to build and renovate the Robison baseball field, the Robison Gymnasium, The Robison Pool, the Athletic Hall of Fame Room, and the newly dedicated Doris B. Robison softball field.

"The Robison family is very pleased by the dedication of this great field in honor of mother Robison. Good luck to the softball team with the challenges of today," said Elissa Prout.

Located behind Walker Laboratory, Schumacher Park was constructed to honor the memory of John Schumacher ’66, former professor and chair of science and technology studies, who passed away November 18, 1999, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

"I’m really pleased that we have dedicated this area of campus ... given his devotion to the campus," said Eddie Knowles, vice president of student life.

Schumacher’s constant dedication to spending time with students, friends, and colleagues made him one of the most-liked members of the campus community.

He was "one of the more radical professors at Rensselaer in challenging students to think critically," said Ted Mirczak, acting vice president for administration.

The park’s lovely plants pay a "very simple homage to the memory of John," said Faye Duchin, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, at the ceremony.

"So many of us knew John ... as a very gentle soul. I hereby dedicate this park to the memory of John Schumacher."

A large number of family, friends, and Rensselaer faculty and staff attended the events of the park’s dedication.

Rachel Schumacher, one of John’s daughters, noted, "He would have been very touched by this. He gave a lot of his life to RPI."

The Rensselyrics opened the dedication ceremony with performances of "Ordinary Day," "What You Own," "Only You," "I’ve Got My Fingers Crossed," "Galileo," and "Kyrie Eleison."

The ceremony concluded with refreshments and a selection of Mozart performances by the members of the RPI orchestra.

The park’s landscape was designed by students enrolled in the ecological economics, values, and policy program.

Their landscape design—which uses only native, chemical-free perennials—received funding support from both the Institute and a private foundation.

Since Schumacher enjoyed practicing organic gardening, the Rensselaer administration felt that the creation of the park would be the most fitting way to honor his memory.