GORHAM, Maine – As part of the 2023 University of Southern Maine Homecoming and Family Weekend activities, October 13-15,  Huskies' Athletics will dedicate and rename one of its critical facilities after a legendary figure and leader for USM Athletics: William B. Wise. 
 
A pillar in the history of USM Athletics and a champion of the Division III student-athlete model, the Costello Sports Complex Learning Center – affectionately known as "Study Tables" in the student-athlete community -  will be named after William B. Wise.  Huskies' Athletics will host a ceremony on Saturday, October 14 (11:00 am) inside the Costello Sports Complex.
 
A graduate of the University of Maine, Wise began his career at the University of Southern Maine in 1966 as Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. Over the ensuing years, Wise served the University in a variety of roles, including Dean of College of Education, Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Executive Assistant to the President. 
 
Wise's dedication to University of Southern Maine student-athletes and their pursuit of academic excellence and athletic success was first honored in 1988 when Huskies' Athletic Department established the William B. Wise Scholar-Athlete awards program.  Established 35 years ago, the Wise Scholar-Athlete program was created to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of University of Southern Maine student-athletes.  For a Husky student-athlete to earn the honor, the student-athlete must be a full-time student during both semesters of the academic year, and maintain a 3.0 grade point average. Since the program's inception, nearly 50 percent of Husky student-athletes have been named Wise Scholar Athletes.  In 2022, 224 University of Southern Maine student-athletes achieved the distinction, and preliminary figures have nearly 250 of the Huskies' 450 student-athletes meeting the standard for 2023. 
 
Family members and University officials will gather to honor Wise who gave so much to the University, the Athletic Department and its student-athletes through advocating for the successful completion of athletic pursuits and a rigorous intellectual life.  It is in this spirit that USM Athletics fully supports the Division III philosophy - placing the highest priority on the overall quality of the student-athletes experience - that the Costello Sports Complex Learning Center will be renamed the William B. Wise Athletics Learning Center. 
 
"Bill's impact at the University of Southern Maine was immeasurable.  He served seven presidents during his 25-year career at USM and in his varied roles at the University, he was an effective leader, mentor and problem solver," said Director of Athletics Al Bean.   "Bill's role in the development of Husky Athletics was impactful,  serving as liaison to Athletics for many years and working closely with legendary athletic director, Richard "Doc" Costello.  Bill was instrumental in the Huskies move to NCAA Division III membership in 1985-1986, and helped to promote the overall importance of the athletic program to University leadership and the community.  Following his retirement, he stayed active as a member of the Husky Hall of Fame Committee.  We're proud to have Bill's name attached to our Athletics Learning Center, it is a very fitting honor given his many contributions to the athletic program."
 
Following the ceremony, a reception will follow in the Costello Sports Complex.  Members of the Wise family, USM President Dr. Jackie Edmondson, Athletic Director Al Bean, Baseball Coach Ed Flaherty, and retired women's basketball coach Gary Fifield will make remarks.