University of Tennessee Athletics
Wolf-Kaplan Hospitality Center at Neyland Stadium to be Dedicated Sept. 20
Sept. 5, 2002
Wolf Kaplan Center Photo Gallery
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| Dr. Rodney Y. Wolf (left) and Dr. Robert J. Kaplan made the lead donation of the Vols' newest addition to Neyland Stadium. |
The University of Tennessee will dedicate the newest addition to the Tennessee athletic complex, the Wolf-Kaplan Center, Friday, Sept. 20, at 5 p.m., under the north stands of Neyland Stadium near the Tennessee locker room.
The Center is named in honor of the two donors who made the lead donation to make the facility possible, Drs. Robert J. Kaplan and Rodney Y. Wolf, both of Memphis, in grateful appreciation of their lifetimes of support of the University's intercollegiate athletics programs.
Each man is a highly respected member of the Bluff City medical community, Dr. Kaplan as a dermatologist and Dr. Wolf as a cardiovascular surgeon.
"Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Wolf have made a significant gift to the Athletics Department and University of Tennessee," Athletics Director Doug Dickey said. "This facility will allow the Athletics Department and the University a place for special events within the confines of Neyland Stadium that will allow us to show off not only a well-designed Hospitality Center, but the nation's best stadium as well."
"I became a Tennessee fan soon after arriving in Memphis in 1970 to attend medical school," Dr. Kaplan said. "I have rarely missed a game, home or away, in 20 years. I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for the academics at the University of Tennessee, as well as our athletic accomplishments. I am totally committed to the University of Tennessee."
"The University of Tennessee is something I've grown up with," Dr. Wolf said. "I've gone to football games since I was 10 or 11 years old. The University of Tennessee educated me and made me a doctor and I feel the need to support it.
| "Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Wolf have made a significant gift to the Athletics Department and University of Tennessee. This facility will allow the Athletics Department and the University a place for special events within the confines of Neyland Stadium that will allow us to show off not only a well-designed Hospitality Center, but the nation's best stadium as well." |
| Doug Dickey UT Athletics Director |
"I think this room is a wonderful idea, supporting the football program and the other parts of the Athletics Department and University. I like the idea of it being an all-around facility, serving both the men's and women's programs."
Each football Saturday, Tennessee coaches in all sports host a group of approximately 200-250 special guests, who are high school prospects, their families and coaches. On game day, the Wolf-Kaplan Center will serve as a gathering place for recruits, while on other days throughout the year it will be available for University and athletic department special events.
"I'm happy to see this project become a reality," Women's Athletics Director Joan Cronan said. "It is fitting that two men who have been longtime supporters of both the men's and women's athletics programs should be recognized in such a special way."
Dr. Kaplan is a 1973 graduate of the UT Medical School who originally came to Tennessee from his home state of New Jersey. A Knoxville native, Dr. Wolf graduated from the UT Medical School in 1961. He and his wife, Brenda, have four children.
"As head football coach, I am delighted to see this room come to fruition to allow us a better way to host recruits and their families on Saturdays," head coach Phillip Fulmer said.
"As an alum of the University, I am happy to see us provide a place for UT to bring people to campus and have another showplace for them to visit while they're here. I am thankful for Bob and Rodney's contribution to the University."
"Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Wolf join a number of Vols fans who have continued the Tennessee quest for excellence," John Currie, Associate Athletics Director for Development, said. "We are grateful for their willingness to be visible leaders in an important time in the history of the UT athletics program."
The Wolf-Kaplan Center is part of a comprehensive plan for new, renovated and expanded facilities benefiting 17 of UT's 20 men's and women's intercollegiate sports. These improvements are designed to enable UT to continue to compete for SEC and NCAA championships in each of its sports.
For more information about Tennessee's athletic facility renovation plans, or to find out about donating to the university's athletic department, please contact Mike Hamilton or John Currie at (865) 974-1218.
