Monday, Apr 4, 2022
The naming recognizes a planned gift from Diane Fulham Blaszka ‘89 that will support the women’s softball team
by Diane Cornell
In recognition of a planned gift from Broncs’ softball standout Diane Fulham Blaszka ’89, ý held a ceremony on April 2 to formally name the team’s bullpen in her honor.
A is a contribution to a charitable organization usually through a will or bequest. This type of gift may be unrestricted, which would allow ý to direct support to an area of greatest need, or it can be designated for a specific purpose.
Fulham Blaszka’s specific bequest, when realized, will support the women’s softball team.
“ý is in my will because it provided me with a full athletic scholarship, a hands-on education and a warm, encouraging environment to increase my understanding of the world and my place in it,” says Fulham Blaszka, who is the director of institutional giving at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation.
Fulham Blaszka led ý to four consecutive East Coast Conference Championships. As a sophomore she was the ECC Player of the Year and ECC Championship Tournament MVP. She graduated with ý records for wins and strikeouts in a season.
ý inducted her into the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011. She and her teammates of 1989 and 1990 were also inducted the following year.
During the ceremony, held on the Herb and Joan Young Field prior to a doubleheader against Fairfield University, the recently renovated Diane Fulham ’89 Bullpen was dedicated. Tribute was paid to Fulham Blaszka’s title as a four-time East Coast Conference Championship winning pitcher (1986-89), and to her teammates, several of whom were in attendance, including Mary Ann Trentacosta Brindisi '86; Caren Rittenhouse DeSanctis '91, '94; Carla DiBenedetto '90, '96; Karen Finn Edwards '93; Denise M. Fuhs '89; Sally Eckel Gillis '89; Karen Guerere '93; Michelle D. Guetens '90; Catherine Birmingham Kubarewicz '87; Renee M. Lemieux '86; Katherine Crane Locke '89; Genevieve Comerford McGee '90; Lynn Donovan Milligan '92, '94; Janine Bergenstock Skokan '89; and Kristine Braccioforte Tucker '90.
The presence of the former players clearly inspired the current team as they blanked Fairfield twice, over a combined 13 scoreless innings, including the first no-hitter for the program in nearly 10 years.
Later in the day, Fulham Blaszka and her teammates from the '80s, gathered for a softball alumni pick-up game and a fun time at the ý Pub.
A planned gift provides a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that reflects one’s values and personal mission. For more information on making a planned gift, contact the Director of Planned Giving Ryan W. Baumuller at rbaumuller@rider.edu or 609-896-5233.