2009 Alumni Development Volunteer Award Recipients

Stephen J. Muto ‘88 and Eric J. Schlanger, Esq. ‘88

Stephen (Steve) Muto '88 and Eric Schlanger '88, friends since their grade school days on Long Island, were the catalyst behind the fundraising campaign that honors the memory of their lacrosse teammate and friend, the late Kenneth J. Gramas '88. To see the fruits of their labor, one need only stroll the Franklin & Marshall Campus and admire the Ken Gramas ‘88 Athletic Pavilion at the North Campus Athletic Field.

Shortly after Ken Gramas '88 passed away as a result of a skiing accident, Steve contacted the College and expressed his desire to raise funds in memory of his roommate and fellow Chi Phi brother. As the North campus of the College came to life, an opportunity arose for the creation of a pavilion which would act as a gateway for the artificial turf field which is the home to F&M lacrosse.

Steve and Eric recognized this was the proper way to remember Ken and the campaign gained momentum. Steve reached out to classmates of Ken's from John Jay High School in Katonah, N.Y., and secured pledges. Eric perpetuated the spirit and dedication of his late friend by attracting commitments from people who never knew Ken or had attended Franklin & Marshall. Steve and Eric then contacted everyone who was part of the F&M lacrosse teams from 1985 through 1991. Extending their appeals, Steve reached out to his fellow Chi Phi brothers to support the campaign while Eric made an emotional plea to his brothers from Pi Lambda Phi. The tireless efforts of these two men has helped create a memorial to their beloved friend and teammate, which serves as an inspiration to all the young men and women athletes who will pass through the Ken Gramas '88 Pavilion as they prepare for competition.

The Alumni Development Volunteer Award is presented to individuals who have achieved extraordinary success in assisting the College in its development activities. Stephen Muto and Eric Schlanger, in recognition of your extraordinary success and dedication in leading the Campaign for the Ken Gramas '88 Athletic Pavilion, we are proud to bestow upon you the 2009 Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Development Volunteer Award.