Getting game-ready: Alumni gifts will transform historic Adelbert Gym into new DiSanto Arena
As student-athletes decades ago, Fred DiSanto (WRC ’85, MGT ’86), Don Richards (CIT ’79, MGT ’81) and James C. Wyant, PhD (CIT ’65, HON ’23), trained in Adelbert Gym, one of Case Western Reserve University’s oldest buildings, built in 1888. Now, a transformative renovation is underway to bring this historic gym into a new century—thanks to these alumni, their families and a fellow trustee.
Following a late-May ground-breaking ceremony, renovations and expansions are underway to develop a revitalized facility that will preserve the character of Adelbert Gym while elevating it to meet the needs of today’s students, varsity athletics and community programming. When it reopens in spring 2027, the gym will boast more than 6,000 square feet of expansion and renovations to the concourse, basketball court and mezzanine levels—including new locker rooms, a “Spartan Gallery” social space, and a larger footprint for a new lobby and entry tower.
It also will debut a new name: DiSanto Arena, recognizing the $5.9 million commitment from trustee Fred DiSanto; his wife, Brittan; and their son and daughter-in-law, TJ and Lia DiSanto.
Inside, the newly named Brennan Industries Court—marking a $2 million commitment from Brennan Industries, its chairman and CEO, David Carr, and his wife, Angela—will become the primary home for the men’s and women’s basketball teams, while also supporting other athletics initiatives.
Wyant Atrium—named in recognition of a $1 million commitment from the Wyant Foundation, which is led by the late Jim Wyant’s wife, Tammy, and son, Clair—will serve as a connective hub and gathering place within the arena. Designed as more than a passageway, the space will foster interaction—visually integrating elements of the original structure into the new addition.
And the Spartan Gallery, a new hall space connecting One to One Fitness and DiSanto Arena, was made possible through a gift from Don Richards and his wife, Marianne.
“Each of these individuals and their families have been exceptionally supportive of Case Western Reserve University, whether sharing their time and expertise as trustees, engaging as alumni, or financially supporting critical projects,” said CWRU President
Eric W. Kaler. “This latest investment proves their commitment to improving the quality of facilities at Case Western Reserve so our university can continue to allow student-athletes to thrive on the court and in the classroom.”
An enduring connection
Fred DiSanto is an exemplar of those who achieve academically and athletically: He is one of the most accomplished athletes in university history, earning an unparalleled 12 varsity letters across football, basketball and baseball. Over the years, he’s served as a trustee and chair of the board, helping guide the institution through pivotal moments of growth and transformation.
He and Brittan have been significant financial supporters as well, recently committing $7 million to support the university’s soon-to-open Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building in addition to their support of DiSanto Arena. Together, the gifts reflect a deeply held family value around philanthropy and responsibility.
“This is a family gift,” DiSanto said, sharing the impact of Brittan, TJ and Lia’s commitments. “We believe strongly in giving back to the organizations that shaped our lives and that have an impact on the community.”
It’s an ethos he hopes future generations of students will share.
“As a student, you don’t always realize the impact a university can have on you,” he said. “It’s more than grades. It’s about embracing what the university is—and then carrying that forward as an alumnus.”
Supporting the community
For David and Angela Carr, the decision to give was shaped by David’s service as a trustee and a long-standing connection to the university. His grandfather earned a degree from what is now Case Western Reserve, and Carr spent time on campus growing up with friends who attended the university. Today, his company, Cleveland-based Brennan Industries, recruits several CWRU students annually—strengthening the leading global aerospace component manufacturer and supplier of hydraulic fittings and adapters.
But the decision also was based on the impact Case Western Reserve has on Cleveland and the community.
“Case Western Reserve is such a great engine for Northeast Ohio,” Carr said. “The more the community can do to support it, the more CWRU will reciprocate—not only to the people and the economic conditions of Northeast Ohio, but also to the prominence of the region as a result of the university’s success.”
A prime example: DiSanto Arena will provide a renovated home for the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP), which provides academic enrichment, recreation and mentorship for local youth during the summer months.
“That community impact really mattered to me,” Don Richards said of his and Marianne’s reason for giving. “NYSP is a fantastic program, and being able to support both the university and the broader community through this project made it especially meaningful.”
The Adelbert Gym gift builds on a long history of philanthropy from Richards and his family, whose lifetime giving to the university exceeds $3 million, with a significant focus on scholarships.
“I was able to attend Case Western Reserve, in part, through scholarship support,” said Richards, who earned four varsity letters in wrestling as a student. “Philanthropy made a difference for me, and I see this gift as a way to help today’s students—and future generations—have access to the same kinds of opportunities.”
Building on tradition
For Tammy and Clair Wyant, their focus also centered on honoring the past to strengthen the future.
“CWRU was not just a university Jim supported—it was his alma mater and a place that helped shape the course of his life,” Tammy Wyant said of her late husband, who earned eight total varsity letters across cross country and track and field. “His experiences there, both academically and through athletics, influenced the values he carried forward: discipline, resilience, integrity and loyalty to community.”
While the Wyants have supported many transformative initiatives over the years—such as the Wyant Athletic and Wellness Center, the Frederick Reines Professorship and the James C. Wyant Professorship in Engineering—this project, and the atrium in particular, are especially meaningful because of the sense of connection it can inspire.
“An atrium is more than a physical entry point—it sets the tone for what happens inside,” Clair Wyant said. “We hope students feel pride in being part of a community that honors those who came before them while fully supporting who they are becoming.”
