WNE: The Magazine of Western New England

A Big Hearted Gift Makes a Big Impact on Campus

Bequest Supports Student Life Enhancements

By Patricia Gagnon

Theodore “Ted” Roukas led a quiet, private life in the Forest Park area of Springfield, MA, but his legacy at Western New England University will be large and impactful.

Ted Roukas ’67 left a $1.4 million unrestricted gift in his will to the University. In recognition of his generosity, the fourth-floor outdoor terrace of the new University Commons is now known as the Theodore W. Roukas Terrace. Funds from his gift have been earmarked to support future renovations to the Campus Center. While the terrace serves as an important gathering space to honor alumni and celebrate student achievement, the Campus Center refurbishments will focus on support of student success and professional development.

The Theodore W. Roukas Terrace This fourth-floor outdoor terrace provides the University with an open-air premier event space to recognize and celebrate our learners’ accomplishments and gather with alumni and friends.

Ted passed away on January 31, 2016 at the age of 85. While employed as an engineer at Hamilton Standard, he received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Western New England in 1967 as a Management major. A Dean’s List student, Ted was a member of the Student Council, serving as lecture chairman and vice president, dance chairman, college ring chairman, and as a member of the Pi Tau Kappa Fraternity.

Ted served in the Army National Guard and was a longtime member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield, where he was a member of its parish council. He retired from Pratt & Whitney in 1985. “Ted was a collector of antique firearms, books, coins, and stamps and was an avid photographer,” says his attorney Joel Castleman L’87. “He travelled all around New England for years attending flea markets and auctions.”

Visiting him at his home, Joel would tell Ted about his daughter Emily who was attending Western New England and played lacrosse and that’s when he learned Ted had graduated from Western New England. “After that, he always asked about Emily on every visit, and I told him how much the University had grown from my time attending law school and coaching lacrosse there in the 1980s.”

When it was time to prepare his will, having no children of his own, Ted wanted to leave his estate to charity. “When he mentioned giving a portion to Western New England, I told him he could direct it in any way.” In the end, Ted decided on an unrestricted gift to the University to honor his education. “He was a modest man with a big heart,” says Joel. “His generous bequest will impact generations of students to come.”

If Western New England holds a special place in your heart, please consider making a legacy gift. Visit legacy.wne.edu to explore your options.