Distinguished BGSU alumnus continues legacy of support with transformational $3 million gift

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Deeply committed to his alma mater, Paul J. Hooker ’75 is continuing his legacy of support for Bowling Green State University with a transformational $3 million donation to enhance the University’s top-ranked student experience.

Hooker, a national trustee on the BGSU Board of Trustees, is generously supporting enhancements to the Falcon Marching Band’s practice/multipurpose field and the BGSU baseball team’s facilities, further elevating the University’s commitment to the arts and athletics. He designated $1.5 million to each project. 

The Board of Trustees approved naming the Falcon Marching Band’s practice/multipurpose field The Student Green in honor of Hooker’s support during their May 2 meeting. 

“Paul Hooker has been one of Bowling Green State University's most generous supporters, creating immeasurable impact for generations of students," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "Paul understands and appreciates the power of the Bowling Green experience for our students in building connections and leveraging the comprehensive opportunities the University provides. We are deeply grateful for Paul's support of the Falcon Marching Band, club sports and BGSU baseball, all with rich and celebrated histories at Bowling Green, and this gift will absolutely enhance our nationally recognized student experience."

The new state-of-the-art turf field will provide durable and efficient practice, performance, competition and gathering space for the Falcon Marching Band, the University’s club sports teams and other activities.  

“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.  

A first-generation college student, Hooker said he values the power of education in transforming lives. He emphasized the need for quality facilities to attract and retain students, providing them space to explore their passions while on campus and develop relationships that enhance their college experience. 

“My experience at Bowling Green State University was so warm and accepting,” Hooker said. “That’s what kept me engaged and involved, and what I hope these field facilities will continue to do for current and future students.”

Powerhouse band 
The Student Green will be located west of Perry Field House and will provide the Falcon Marching Band, which grew to a record-breaking 425 members during the 2024-25 academic year, an ample and well-lit space for practice. 

The band is one of the nation’s largest college bands and the largest in BGSU history, generating widespread support and enthusiasm across the University and larger community. For the first time this year, the Falcon Marching Band was chosen to perform in the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, one of only three college bands selected. 

“We have a legendary band director in Jon Waters,” Hooker said. “The band is a powerhouse. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what they do. They deserve to have top-notch facilities to practice and perform their craft.” 

Dr. William Mathis, dean of the College of Musical Arts, said Hooker’s gift fulfills a longtime vision for the Falcon Marching Band and provides students with a lasting resource for years to come. 

“Under Jon Waters’ leadership over the past three years, the enrollment growth of the Falcon Marching Band has exceeded all expectations and proves that music and the arts are essential to the student experience and to our community,” Mathis said. “The FMB is one of BGSU’s greatest ambassadors, and now, with the support of so many and this transformational gift, the band will have a facility that matches its quality and impact. Building a permanent practice facility has long been a goal, and I am deeply grateful for Paul Hooker’s generosity and vision in helping us realize it for the benefit of our students and University.” 

The Student Green will also provide practice space for the University’s more than 40 club sports teams. Thousands of students who come to BGSU find that a club sport becomes an invaluable part of their college experience.

MAC champions 
With an affinity for baseball and a former player in high school, Hooker said he was thrilled with the opportunity to support BGSU baseball through the Steller Field Improvement Fund. He followed the team during their record-breaking 2024 season, attending games in Tennessee and Michigan, and formed a relationship with Head Coach Kyle Hallock. 

“It was unbelievable to witness the team’s grit and determination,” Hooker said. “The quality of facilities matters when you’re recruiting and retaining student-athletes. We want to continue building on the team’s momentum and provide them with much-deserved facility upgrades.” 

“The journey to this remarkable gift has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said Derek van der Merwe, vice president for athletics strategy. “Paul’s passion for the student experience is unmatched. Over the past few years, he’s taken the time to truly connect – with a baseball team striving for championships, a marching band aiming to be the best in the nation and student leaders who are building community through club sports. His decision reflects a deep understanding of how facilities shape student success, and his generosity will have a lasting impact on thousands of student-athletes.” 

The Steller Field Improvement Fund will support the installation of a new synthetic turf playing surface, perimeter fencing and lighting, enhancing the BGSU baseball team's ability to train and compete throughout the year.      

The BGSU baseball team won the 2024 MAC regular-season championship with a program record 24 conference wins. The new turf field will offer greater consistency and durability, minimizing disruptions caused by poor field conditions. 

Longtime BGSU advocate 
Hooker earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from BGSU in 1975. He’s the retired owner and chief executive officer of SFERRA Fine Linens, a luxury bedding, bath and home decor importer based in Edison, New Jersey. 

In 1990, Hooker and his Falcon Flame, Margo, founded RallyCap Sports, a nonprofit nationwide sports program for children and young adults with disabilities. The BGSU chapter of RallyCap Sports was the first university chapter and the largest. 

A longtime supporter of BGSU, Hooker has created a scholarship fund for the Alumni Laureate Program and has supported initiatives in the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business, the College of Education and Human Development, the Campus Gateway Fund, the Falcon Club Scholarship and Success Fund, as well as many athletic enhancement funds. 

He made principal gifts to establish the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, to the Robert W. and Patricia M. Maurer Center to name the Sister Mary Noreen Gray, R.S.M. Student Services Hub and recently to support BGSU baseball's Steller Field Improvement Fund. Hooker is a member of The Presidents Club, 1910 Society, Carillon Society and Leadership Circle donor recognition societies.

In 2010, he was named a top 100 graduate as part of the University’s Centennial Celebration and was inducted into the Entrepreneurial Leadership Hall of Fame in 2012.