As the Faculty of Human Kinetics dedicated its main entrance plaza to its founding dean on Oct. 29, members of his family were on hand to honour the moment.

A plaque on the wall welcomes past, current, and future leaders in kinesiology, sport, and recreation to the Dr. P.J. Galasso Plaza, honouring Pat Galasso, who died in December 2023. Dr. Galasso served as dean of the faculty from its founding in 1965 until 1979. He retired from the University in 1990.

“I am absolutely thrilled because I know how much this would mean to my dad,” said daughter Kari Galasso. “As an adult, I can look back in hindsight and realize how hard he worked and how sure he was of how he should develop and lead the program.”

She said her father would encourage students of today to make the most of their opportunities in the field of human kinetics.

“He would encourage them to get involved in sports, intramurals, committees, teamwork, initiatives on campus, leadership opportunities: anything to broaden their skills as people, future leaders, and employees,” Kari Galasso said.

Son Mike Galasso said it was “wonderful” to attend the ceremony.

“I feel really proud to see dad permanently recognized at the University that was such a huge part of his dream in his life,” he said. “He loved so much of what he was able to do: to build a building, to hire the staff, to do the research, and that he was a part of a team that created something really special.”

And daughter Linda said she was certain her father would welcome this tribute.

“Seeing this plaza come to fruition and essentially having his celebration of life at the PJ Galasso Plaza unveiling is exactly what he worked for his entire life,” she said. “Though he didn’t know we were doing this for him, there could be no higher honour, in his mind. It really was one of the best days of my life.”

Heir to Galasso’s legacy of dedication and hard work is current dean Linda Rohr, who praised his contributions.

“Although I am blessed to be the current custodian of the Faculty of Human Kinetics, the Toldo Lancer Centre, and the blue and gold, I am mindful that my privilege of leading the faculty and the extraordinary reputation of the Department of Kinesiology and Lancer Athletics and Recreation is absolutely a reflection of the past visionary leadership in the Faculty of Human Kinetics,” Dr. Rohr said. “The path the faculty has travelled started with Pat’s passion and commitment to success and I am incredibly grateful.”