Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz
Chaifetz Arena is named in honor of University alumnus Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz (SHAY-fetz) who made a $12 million naming gift to Saint Louis University. Chaifetz, a 1975 graduate of Saint Louis University, is a licensed neuropsychologist and is founder, chairman and CEO of Chicago-based ComPsych Corporation, the world's largest provider of employee assistance programs. Chaifetz is one of the world's most frequently quoted experts on behavioral health, workplace issues and employer and employee trends.
Chaifetz is a native of New York, and in 1971 he turned down an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to attend Saint Louis University on the advice of his high school dean and mentor. He credits former SLU President Paul Reinert, S.J., with helping him remain at SLU when financial issues threatened his ability to stay in school.
"Father Reinert told me he believed in me and allowed me to stay at SLU at a time in my life when I didn't have the financial resources to pay for my tuition," Chaifetz said. "I promised him not only would I pay my tuition, but that I would pay back the University in an even bigger way in the future. Now, this is an opportunity for me to give back to the University for all the support and guidance I received as an undergraduate here. It is my hope that the Chaifetz Arena will enhance the on-campus experience for every future Saint Louis University student, as well as the city of St. Louis."
Chaifetz Arena
Ground was broken on Chaifetz Arena in August 2006, after years of planning for an on-campus multipurpose facility that would be home to SLU men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball, and could host a myriad of other events. Chaifetz Arena has 10,600 seats in a single concourse, and also has 14 suites and two party suites, as well as a large club for dinners and parties.
The Arena complex includes the Chaifetz Arena, a two-court basketball-volleyball practice facility, where the volleyball team will play its games. And on the far western end of the complex is a new three-story office and support building for the athletic department. It includes new locker rooms for all Division I athletic teams. Chaifetz Arena also contains a new strength and conditioning area and a state-of-the art sports medicine facility.
The University expects to host 90 to 100 events each year in Chaifetz Arena, including concerts, shows, trade shows, commencements as well as men’s and women’s basketball.
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,000 students on campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Through teaching, research, health care and community service, Saint Louis University is the place where knowledge touches lives. Learn more about SLU at www.slu.edu.
Personal Note
It is interesting to view the progress of the arena through Google Earth, looking at historical images over the past four years. Going to the coordinates listed for the waymark, you can watch the scene over the past decade unfold as the site evolves from a lot with a building to the multi-year construction of the arena.
* Information quoted from http://www.thechaifetzarena.com