San Jose State athletics poured the foundation for love more than five decades ago. Spartan Stadium was the site.

"Our first date was a San Jose football game. Athletics has been so important to our family. The opportunity to make this gift has been a blessing," said Stan Gadway at the October 26 dedication of the Gadway Patio extending south from the Scott Gadway Academic Resource Center to the north fence line surrounding Spartan Stadium.

The patio concept had been broached more than five years previously, but the stock market's decline put a hold on the project. A few years passed and that foundation of love turned 50, as in the 50^th wedding anniversary of Stan and Marilyn.

GADWAYS CONTINUE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

"We were planning a rubber chicken dinner and both had such long guest lists it was getting to be too much," remarked Stan at the dedication. "Marilyn suggested rather than throwing a huge party why don't we invest those resources in something that will make a difference. I thought what a wonderful idea."

Thus the Gadway Patio was born. The Patio's purpose is to provide space for Spartan student-athletes to take a break from schoolwork, talk on the phone, visit with one another or grab a bite to eat while utilizing the resources of the Scott Gadway Academic Resource Center, which the Gadways funded in 2003 to honor their son Scott after he passed in a skydiving accident.

Dedicated in front of a gathering of friends, family and members of the University community, the Patio creates a legacy honoring Stan and Marilyn's commitment for one another and their family's passion for Spartan Athletics.

INVESTING IN SAN JOSE STATE'S STUDENT-ATHLETES

"Facilities are a critical piece of a successful Division 1 athletics department," noted Director of Athletics Tom Bowen. "It's no surprise that Stan and Marilyn Gadway sought out this opportunity and chose to invest in the Spartans. Our department and student-athletes are eternally grateful for their generosity."

According to Stan "adding the patio off of the Academic Center allowed us to tie Scott into our anniversary, which is our way of honoring our family. The ability to provide the funding for this wonderful space allows us to invest in something that means the world to us - San Jose State University."

Their love for one another and SJSU now provides Spartan student-athletes with yet another resource for academic success.