Launch of Charles W. Doehler Academic Center for Excellence
3/8/2013 12:00:00 AM | Pride Excellence
Named after former Pirate baseball student-athlete, coach, administrator and loyal supporter, Charles W. Doehler; the proposed Academic Center for Excellence will be a highlight of Seton Hall's commitment to the success of its student-athletes both on and off the playing field.
"The Seton Hall Athletics family suffered a great loss last year with the passing of our friend, Chuck Doehler, said Director of Athletics Patrick Lyons. He was a passionate believer in Seton Hall Athletics and the work of Pirate Blue. I can think of no better name to place on such a critical project for our future success."
The new space will feature a main study area, two group meeting spaces, two private tutoring rooms and offices for the department's full-time academic advisors. The renovation will result in doubling the current size and creating a state of the art environment to enhance student's academic and personal development.
Charles W. Doehler ("Chuck") passed away last June. He was the Seton Hall freshman baseball coach for 15 years. During his tenure, he compiled a 95 percent winning record, which is one of the highest amongst present or past Seton Hall coaches. In addition, Coach Doehler played an instrumental role in the development and success of the baseball program as well as the young athletes. He is credited with preparing John Monteleone, Jack Tracey and Dan Coombs as they went on to great major league careers.
Chuck's love of baseball began at the age of 14 when he was asked by Mrs. Ruth to participate in "the Babe's" funeral. As a member of the local Babe Ruth league, he placed a ball in Babe Ruth's coffin that said "Safe at Home". This story is memorialized in Chuck's words in the 1998 HBO documentary on Babe Ruth.
As a player, Chuck's baseball career began at Seton Hall Prep before arriving at Seton Hall University. Upon graduation he was drafted by the Boston Braves. As part of the 1952 Eau Claire Bears, his team mates included Hank Aaron and Wes Covington.
Chuck was inducted into the Seton Hall Prep Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997. Always staying connected to Seton Hall; he served as president of the alumni association and later returned as an administrator becoming the first planned giving director at the University.
Throughout his life Chuck remained loyal to Seton Hall Athletics as a loyal contributor to the Pirate Blue Athletic Fund and University. Chuck's passion for fund raising extended to several charities, including the New Jersey Chapter of the American Red Cross, which is home to the "Chuck Doehler Education Center" in Fairfield, NJ.
"Throughout his life, Chuck built an incredible network of friends and mentored countless student athletes during his time with Seton Hall. I personally learned a great deal from Chuck and look forward to honoring his legacy with this project", said Bryan Felt, Associate Athletic Director for Development.
Several naming opportunities are available within the Charles W. Doehler Academic Center for Excellence. To learn more about naming opportunities and how you can make a gift to support the Charles W. Doehler Academic Center for Excellence, please contact Bryan Felt at 973-275-6445 or bryan.felt@shu.edu.
