BURLINGTON, Vt. - The University of Vermont has completed construction on a critical component of the Archie Post Athletic Complex, made possible by a $2 million lead gift from longtime UVM supporters Remo and Donna Pizzagalli. The $5 million project marks a significant milestone for UVM Athletics that will improve the experience for student-athletes, fans, and community users of the Archie Post Complex. The new facility will also help support high-level events and bolster recruitment of top athletic talent for years to come.
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The Pizzagalli Support Building officially opened its doors earlier this spring, ushering in a new era for UVM student-athletes and fans who have been competing at the complex for more than 60 years. The Pizzagalli Support Building was formally dedicated at a ceremony held on April 17, 2026.
"This is a very exciting moment for our athletics program, and I'm incredibly appreciative of the support from Remo and Donna and the many others who have contributed so generously to the project's completion," said Jeff Schulman '89, UVM's director of athletics. "The Pizzagalli Support Building is a game-changer—we now have a modern facility that supports all of the high-level games and events that occur at the complex and annually attract tens of thousands of visitors to our campus."
The Pizzagalli Support Building realizes UVM's long-term vision for the Archie Post Athletic Complex, serving as a gathering place for both competition and community while elevating UVM's ability to compete, host, and inspire on a national stage. The one-story, 4,700-square-foot multi-use facility sits prominently at the entrance to the complex, a hub and anchor for Virtue Field, Moulton Winder Field, and the Frank H. Livak '41 Track and Field Facility.
Designed to support the UVM Field Hockey, Soccer, Lacrosse, and Track and Field programs, as well as the Vermont Green, high school championships, and a wide array of other users, the building features modern gameday locker rooms, an athletic training space, and an officials' room. Fan amenities include convenient concessions, ticketing, and modern restrooms, along with a gathering space for Catamount supporters and visitors from across the region. Serving nearly 300 UVM student-athletes, coaches, and staff—and expected to accommodate more than 50,000 visits annually—this new facility cements the Post Athletic Complex as one of the premier outdoor sporting venues in the Northeast.
"This facility will have an immediate and lasting impact, strengthening the sense of community that defines UVM," said Kathleen Kelleher '83, interim president and CEO of the UVM Foundation. "Funding the building's construction was truly a team effort. We are deeply grateful to the Pizzagalli family and all of the donors who made this project a reality."
In addition to the Pizzagallis' leadership gift, the project was supported by several standout former student-athletes—all alumni of UVM soccer—whose contributions helped bring the vision to life.
The Hilton Family Plaza, on the south side of the building, has been named in gratitude of a major contribution from John '68 and Jody Hilton. John was a starting goalkeeper for the UVM men's soccer team from 1966-67 and helped lead the Catamounts to a Yankee Conference championship during his tenure. John and Jody have been major supporters of Men's Soccer, as well as faculty development and the Janus Forum. John is one of UVM's most dedicated, long-time volunteer leaders, having served as both University Trustee and the founding chair of the UVM Foundation Board of Advisors. He was inducted into the UVM Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
Peter Bernhardt '72, captain of the 1971 men's soccer team, guided UVM to a conference championship season marked by record-setting wins, goals, and shutouts. He enjoyed a nearly 40-year career at PC Construction (formerly Pizzagalli Construction), including 15 years as president, before his retirement in 2013. Peter and his wife Cindy have been staunch supporters of Men's Soccer and UVM Athletics for many years, and Peter has served on both the Athletics and College of Engineering and Mathematics advisory boards. The home locker room was named in recognition of the Bernhardts' philanthropic investment, along with Peter's countless hours of volunteer work on this project and others.
Sally '88 and Damon '91 Gregoire's outstanding contribution was instrumental in completing the support building. Sally, a four-year starter from 1984-87, was a dynamic midfielder who tallied 17 goals and 12 assists over her career. The Gregoires have been major supporters of UVM Athletics, UVM Alumni House, and the Grossman School of Business. Sally also served on the UVM Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Remo and Donna Pizzagalli, former UVM parents and grandparents, have a deep history of philanthropy at the university. Remo co-founded Pizzagalli Construction with his brothers, Angelo '56 and Jim '66, and helped grow the company from a small family-run business into one of the nation's most respected construction firms, known for its quality, integrity, and consistency. Donna, a former operating room nurse, brought the same spirit of care and commitment to her work in healthcare and later to her service on UVM's College of Nursing and Health Sciences Board of Advisors. Together, they have invested meaningfully across the university. The Remo and Donna Pizzagalli Endowed Scholarship Fund has provided support to more undergraduate nursing students than any other fund in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Their generosity has also extended to the Janus Forum, Victory Club, Proctor Maple Research Center, VT Cancer Center, and Fleming Museum.
The Pizzagallis' support for this project is strongly aligned with their long-standing and generous commitment to UVM and the broader Vermont community.
"This project represents everything we value—teamwork, opportunity, and giving back," said Remo Pizzagalli. "We're proud to support a facility that will serve so many student-athletes and bring people together around competition and community. UVM played an important role in our family's life, and we hope this building helps create lasting experiences for generations of Catamounts to come."
