Nov. 26, 2007

Boston University is proud to announce that Mike Eruzione, a former Terrier hockey standout and the captain of the 1980 gold medal-winning US Olympic team, has established an endowed scholarship for a member of the BU hockey team.   

The Michael A. Eruzione Scholarship is the first-ever endowment established by a former student-athlete at BU. It is a permanent fund, the income of which will provide aid to a deserving member of the men's hockey team each year, based on his merit, athletic achievement and promise.

"So many of our former players have given back in one way or another," said Men's Hockey Head Coach and Executive Director of Athletics Jack Parker, who coached Eruzione at BU. "It is quite generous of Mike and his family to make this gift. He has always been a great supporter of Boston University in general, and the Terrier hockey program in particular, and this is yet another example.

"I wanted to do something for BU because this university has given me so much.  I have a great relationship with BU Athletics and I really respect and admire Jack [Parker]. This was the perfect opportunity to show my appreciation," said Eruzione. 

During his tenure at BU, Eruzione's team won the Eastern Collegiate Championships, and he was named the best defensive forward in the east. He captained the team his senior year, and finished as the second leading scorer in BU history (he now ranks fifth). He was later inducted into the BU Athletics Hall of Fame, and also spent two years in the International Hockey League after he graduated from BU's School of Education in 1977.  

"No one in our program's history has a higher profile than Mike, and no one has done more for Boston University through fundraising and serving as a good representative of the school and our athletic program," added Parker. "Whenever he gives a motivational speech or makes a public appearance, he is introduced every time as an Olympic gold medalist and as a former BU hockey player."

Eruzione was on hand at Madison Square Garden this past Saturday (Nov. 24), when BU posted a 6-3 victory over old rival Cornell in front of a sold-out crowd of 18,200. It marked the first time the Terriers played at the iconic venue since Eruzione's senior year, when he led the Terriers to the ECAC Holiday Festival title with wins over Colgate and St. Lawrence.

For more information about endowed athletic scholarships, please contact Bill Ring, the Director of Athletic Development at 617-358-2770, or by email at ringw@bu.edu.