The Werth family from Woodbridge made a $4.5 donation to UConn which will to put towards building a basketball practice facility at UConn.

Here is the official release from UConn

STORRS, Conn. (Dec. 29, 2011) -- Peter J. and Pamela H. Werth of Woodbridge, Conn., have made a $4.5 million pledge toward the construction of a basketball practice facility on the University of Connecticut campus.  The commitment from the Werths is the largest single private gift ever to Athletics at the University. 

“The entire University of Connecticut community is grateful to the Werth family for the leadership role they are taking with this generous commitment towards the building of our new men’s and women’s basketball facility,” says UConn President Susan Herbst.  “This historic gift will help us maintain the excellence that has long been synonymous with our University and its outstanding athletic programs.”

Mr. Werth is the founder and CEO of Chemwerth Inc., a full service generic drug development and supply company based in Connecticut.  Established in 1982, Chemwerth provides high quality active pharmaceutical ingredients to regulated markets worldwide. Chemwerth has operations in China and India.  

“We are proud to make this commitment to UConn and its outstanding basketball programs,” says Peter and Pam Werth.  “UConn Basketball is part of the fabric of our state, and we know that this facility will help the men’s and women’s teams be successful for years to come.  We hope that other UConn fans, who derive the same joy from the Huskies as we do, will support this project so that construction can begin as soon as possible.”

The Werths are avid Husky fans and season ticket holders for men’s and women’s basketball, and football. They have been active UConn Athletics donors since 2003, supporting overall program enhancement in the Division of Athletics.  Their strong connection to the University  began with their children – Peter III, Debbie and Jackie – all of whom attended UConn.

“Peter and Pam have a great passion for UConn Athletics and our student-athletes,” says Interim Director of Athletics Paul Pendergast.  “This wonderful gift demonstrates their dedication to enhancing the academic and athletic experience of the young men and women who wear the Husky uniform.”

The UConn Basketball Development Center will be a 70,000 square foot facility to be located on the current Memorial Stadium site, adjacent to Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.  It will feature dedicated practice gyms for the two basketball programs, along with locker rooms, coaches’ offices and areas for academic support, video analysis, sports medicine and strength training.  The facility is being designed by Populous, the former HOK Sport, which designed The Burton Family Football Complex and Mark R. Shenkman Training Center.

With this pledge from the Werths, nearly half of the approximately $30 million project cost has now been committed, all through private sources.  

“On behalf of everyone associated with our women’s basketball program at UConn – past, present and future – we are grateful to Peter and Pam for their generosity,” says Head Women’s Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma. “The Werths know what it takes to be successful, and they know that this facility will allow our team to practice, train and study in a setting that promotes achievement.”

“It takes great players to win, and the Werths are great players,” says Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Calhoun.  “Through this commitment, they have shown their desire to be leaders and help young people have a very special college experience in Storrs.  The Werths are helping us take a very important step toward the building of this much-needed facility.”