Peter Frates Hall Dedication

September 27, 2016

As we reflect back on Tuesday, September 13th, a number of words come to mind – community being at the top of the list. On September 13, our students, faculty and staff, along with residents from the Beverly community, rallied together for the official unveiling of our newest residence hall, Peter Frates Hall.

Endicott became acquainted with the Frates family when we invited Nancy Frates, Pete’s mother, to speak at Baccalaureate in 2015. Pete joined us on campus that day, and his charm and positivity inspired Endicott’s President, Dr. Richard Wylie, to proclaim that the next building constructed on campus would be named for Peter Frates. That building turned out to be our new 225-bed residence hall. We count ourselves very lucky to welcome the Frates family into our Endicott community with this dedication.

Beverly native Peter Frates is the former Captain of the Boston College baseball team and professional baseball player in Europe, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2012 at age 27. Since his diagnosis, he and his family have taken an active role in raising awareness and funds for ALS research. In 2014, Frates pioneered the Ice Bucket Challenge, raising more than $220 million in donations, which recently led scientists to identify a new ALS gene.

The dedication ceremony began with powerful remarks from Nancy and John Frates, Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill and several members of the Endicott Community. As the crowd cheered and Pete looked on, Julie Frates unveiled the Hall’s exterior signage. To commemorate the occasion, nearly 1,500 students then gathered out on the Hall’s patio and participated in a record-breaking Ice Bucket Challenge.

We are beyond honored to name our newest residence hall after Pete, and we hope to warmly reflect his perseverance and optimism in our students, faculty, and staff for generations to come.