In recognition of the legacy of the late Charles Eldred Field, founder of Field Packing Company, currently known as Specialty Foods Group, LLC, and the generosity of his family, as well as their respective philanthropic foundations, specifically the Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation, the new academic building at Brescia University will be named “The C.E. Field Center for Professional Studies at Brescia University.” The building, to be built on the corner of 9th Street and Frederica Street later this year, is the second of two major construction initiatives funded by the University’s “Gateway to Our Second Century” Capital Campaign. It will house the Charles Albert Reid School of Business, including the William H. Thompson Center for Business Graduate Studies, the School of Education (still to be named), and the Marilyn Younger Conley School of Social Work. The building will also feature a 150 seat auditorium, the University’s art gallery, a small chapel area, a digital studio for innovative learning, computer labs, and seminar rooms.
Since 2014, Brescia University has received a total of $2.1 Million from the family of Charles Eldred Field, the Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation, and Specialty Foods Group, LLC. Mr. Field was a significant member of the Owensboro business community in terms of economic development, and he also believed that giving back to his employees and the community were equally important values. He actively promoted employee education and advancement and was a major philanthropist, donating money and resources to the community. He and his wife Mildred established the Field Foundation Scholarship at Brescia University. The Charles E. Field Scholarship was also established upon Mr. Field’s passing in 1975 to honor his memory.
Mr. and Mrs. Field instilled the value of philanthropy in their children, Joanne Field Weller, Marilyn Field Young, and Nancy Field Wilson, all of whom were also instrumental in Brescia’s growth over the years through their leadership as trustees as well as financial contributions. Mr. Field’s grandson, Dr. William R. Young III, remains a Trustee Emeritus at the University.
Sara Hemingway, Executive Director of the Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation, said “The profound relationship between Brescia University and the members of the Field Family spans many generations. Charles Field fervently believed in the mission of the University from its inception and faithfully gave of his time and resources to ensure its success. Undoubtedly, he would gratified by the growth of the school and success of its students, faculty and administration. It has been an honor to partner with Brescia University to witness the C.E. Field Center for Professional Studies realized.”
In recognition of the multi-year commitment from Kentucky Legend®, a division of Specialty Foods Group, LLC, in honor of Mr. Field’s memory, Brescia University will unveil The Athletic Hall of Legends sponsored by Kentucky Legend later this spring. The Hall of Legends will be located in the newly renovated Moore Center.
“We are committed to finding ways to work with our neighbors to create higher education opportunities within the city of Owensboro,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing Ric Herrera. “Such projects as this, along with continuing a strong partnership with Brescia University, will allow the vision set forth by the Field family to flourish as well as invest in our youth. With millennials vastly populating the workplace, it is imperative that we devote as much effort into their future as our community moves into a more diverse era.”
“The Field family has a long history in the Owensboro region and at Brescia University. They have certainly touched many lives. We are incredibly proud of the Field family legacy that is ever present in the lives of our students. I am humbled by and thankful for the generosity of the Field family, the Marilyn and William Young Foundation, and Kentucky Legend® and their investment in the future of our students. They are not only models of philanthropy, but also great examples of applying Christian principles to business practices.” stated Father Larry Hostetter, President of Brescia University.
Ground will be broken on the project on April 26th signifying the launch of the second phase of “The Campaign for Brescia University: Gateway to Our Second Century”. The first phase, the renovation of The Moore Center, was completed in mid-June 2017. The construction of the C.E. Field Center for Professional Studies will cost approximately $9 million, with a total campaign cost of $15 million. The University has raised nearly $13.5 million to date.