BGSU unveils new state-of-the-art turf practice space for Falcon Marching Band, club sports program

Alumnus and national trustee Paul J. Hooker's generous donation supported a new turf field for the Falcon Marching Band and upgraded facilities for the baseball team

By Branden Ferguson

The outdoor practice space for the Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band – one of the nation's largest, with 475 members – recently underwent a significant renovation.

The Student Green, a new state-of-the-art turf field that will provide durable and efficient practice, performance, competition and gathering space for the band, club sports teams and other activities, was dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during BGSU Homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 13, during which the Falcon Marching Band performed.

The Falcon Marching Band's record size comes at a time when BGSU continues to see positive momentum – welcoming the largest and most academically successful freshman class in the University's history this fall.

The University's continued growth, combined with its ranking as the No. 1 public university in Ohio for student experience, inspired alumnus and national trustee Paul J. Hooker '75 and his wife, N. Margo Hooker '74, to make a $1.5 million gift to support the renovation project.

"I have happily supported Bowling Green State University in numerous capacities. My main motivation is the students; it's always about the students," Hooker said. "My experience at Bowling Green State University was so warm and accepting. That's what kept me engaged and involved, and what I hope these field facilities will continue to do for current and future students."

The Student Green will provide the Falcon Marching Band with an ample and well-lit space for practice.

"The BGSU Falcon Marching Band has mirrored the University's success, seeing tremendous growth and contributing to BGSU being No. 1 for student experience," said Jon Waters, professor and director of marching and athletic bands. "It's because of support from community members and alumni like Paul Hooker that we are able to reach new heights year after year.

"This beautiful facility will act as a catalyst to recruit future generations of Falcon Marching Band students."

A new teaching tower named in honor of two-time alumnus Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin '00, '04, director of the “The President's Own” United States Marine Band, was also dedicated at the ceremony. Karol Spencer, the wife of the late BGSU professor Herbert A. Spencer Jr., chose to name the teaching tower in honor of Nowlin, who studied under her husband while he was a student at the University.

Herbert Spencer taught French horn at BGSU for nearly 30 years and was a member of the Faculty Brass Quintet and served as director of the Bowling Green Horn Ensemble.

The Falcon Marching Band was recently selected to perform in the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, following a highly competitive process.

The band will join high school, military and other bands from around the world as it marches 5 ½ miles down Orange Grove and Colorado boulevards as part of the iconic parade, which last year drew an estimated 800,000 people to Pasadena and 10.5 million viewers nationwide.

The Student Green will also serve as a practice space for the University's more than 40 club sports teams, which are an invaluable part of the college experience for thousands of students.

In addition to supporting The Student Green, Hooker made an additional $1.5 million gift to upgrade the Falcon baseball team's facilities, bringing his total donation to $3 million. This transformational gift will further enhance the top-ranked BGSU student experience.

The Student Green is located on Willard Drive, east of Perry Field House.