Stadium Entrance Honors Fallen Hero
9/22/2015 9:37:00 AM | Football
Patrons of Dix Stadium will know the name Adam S. Hamilton for many years to come following the dedication of the stadium's west side entrance on Saturday, Sept. 12. A Kent native and U.S. Army Specialist, Hamilton died courageously in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
The dedication came in conjunction with recent contributions from Adam's parents, Scott and Connie Hamilton, who have been instrumental in helping the Kent State athletic department give full support to its student-athletes. The Hamilton family provided the lead gift in the football locker room project and endowed a scholarship for field hockey.
"Adam taught us the gift of giving as he gave the ultimate," said Scott and Connie Hamilton. "To be able to give back and help others is something special that we will always be thankful of our son for teaching us. Adam embraced the children in Afghanistan in hopes of making their lives better, so we try and do that ourselves in the community that he was so proud to be a part of."
Kent State University President Beverly Warren, Kent State's Army ROTC, athletic staff members and supporters joined the Hamilton family for the dedication.
"We are very grateful for the Hamilton family's support," Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen said. "Scott and Connie are committed to the success of our students, both in and out of the classroom, and their contributions will support the student-athlete experience for years to come."
A 2007 graduate of Kent Roosevelt High School, Hamilton was a three-sport standout athlete for the Rough Riders. Hamilton joined the U.S. Army in 2009, graduated basic and advanced training and was proud to be a Cav scout of the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Brigade Combat Team in the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. Hamilton was deployed to Afghanistan in February 2011 and died on May 28, 2011 at the age of 22.
He was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and NATO Medal. The Hamilton family, including Scott & Connie, daughters Shawney and Taya, and son Brandon, were recognized on the field during Kent State's home opener against Delaware State.
