Saint Anselm College has announced the Christopher Rodgers '93 Memorial Men's Basketball Endowment Fund that will support improvements and enhancements for the Hawks nationally-ranked men's basketball program.

In a true display of generosity and Anselmian spirit, a Saint Anselm College men's basketball alumnus, with the blessing of Karen and Joseph Brisbois, recently expressed his intent to establish a fund that would celebrate the memory of his former basketball teammate and close friend, Christopher Rodgers '93.

A member of the Hawks basketball program, Chris was an outstanding teammate and embodied sportsmanship with his fair and generous treatment of others. He had a sense of humor that kept spirits high. Chris was beloved by all who knew him, including his family, friends, classmates, and teammates.

Before enjoying a stellar career at Saint Anselm, Rodgers was a Boston Globe All-Scholastic selection out of Saint Clement School in Medford, Mass. On the Hilltop, Rodgers produced a stellar senior season with the Hawks in 1992-93, averaging 10.6 points per game and earning a spot at the New England Senior All-Star basketball game following his career.

"Our son would be ecstatic knowing that this endowment in his memory will continue the fellowship, hard work and discipline he garnered as a student athlete at Saint Anselm," said Karen and Joseph Brisbois. "Chris truly loved his college years here. We feel blessed and beyond pleased that our son's memory will live on through this endowment."

The establishment of this fund by his teammate, James Mann '93, ensures that the connection will Iive on between Chris Rodgers and Saint Anselm Basketball.

"Chris loved Saint Anselm and, more specifically, men's basketball," said Mann, a friend, classmate and teammate on the Hawks men's basketball team. "I wanted to help establish and seed a memorial fund that both honors Chris' memory and creates a recurring revenue stream for men's basketball in perpetuity."

A contribution to this fund will pay tribute to his character and accomplishments while also supporting the basketball program that was so important to Chris.

"Chris was a valued and beloved member of the men's basketball program who developed many close relationships with his teammates and coaches during his time on the Hilltop," said Keith Dickson, the long-time Head Coach of Saint Anselm men's basketball. "His incredible improvement during his senior year and more specifically his performance during the 1992-93 Northeast-10 Conference playoffs is legendary among his peers."

All alumni, family and friends are welcome to contribute to the Christopher Rodgers '93 Memorial Men's Basketball Endowment Fund by making a gift online or by phone. To do so, please contact Ashlee Demers '08, Senior Associate Director of Annual Giving, at (603) 641-7376 or viae-mail.