ONEONTA, N.Y. - Hartwick College Athletics is proud to announce the upcoming unveiling of the Betty Powell '82 Foyer inside the Binder Physical Education Center. The space will be officially dedicated during a special ceremony as part of True Blue Weekend, honoring Powell's remarkable legacy and lifelong commitment to Hartwick Athletics.
The newly renovated foyer will serve as the home of Hartwick's new Digital Hall of Fame & Athletic History, creating an innovative space to celebrate the department's storied past while preserving the rich history and tradition of the Blue and White. Featuring historic photos, media guides, magazines and archival articles, the exhibit will connect generations of student-athletes, alumni and fans while inspiring future Hawks through the accomplishments of those who helped shape Hartwick Athletics.
The space will be officially dedicated on Saturday, September 26th at 5:30 pm in the foyer outside Lambros Arena prior to the annual Athletics Hall of Fame which will begin at 6:30 pm at Anderson Theatre during True Blue Weekend.
After more than 50 years of dedicated service to Hartwick College in a variety of leadership roles, Powell retired at the end of June, leaving behind an extraordinary mark on the College and its athletic program Her tireless commitment and selfless contributions have made her a cornerstone of the Department of Athletics.
"Betty has quite literally been the backbone of the Athletic Department during her long and legendary career," said Paul Vecchio, executive director of athletics. "She has been that core strength in this department each and every day of her five-plus decade career. No task was ever too big or too small for Betty, and she blazed a trail for women athletic administrators where one barely existed. Her love of Hartwick is boundless, and no one has ever bled as much Blue and White as Betty Powell."
A 1982 Hartwick graduate, Powell earned her bachelor's degree in business management, graduating summa cum laude. She served as assistant director of athletics from 1989-2003 before becoming acting director of athletics from 2003-05, overseeing all aspects of Hartwick's varsity athletics programs.
Powell also served as associate athletic director for nearly two decades and as Hartwick's Senior Woman Administrator for more than 30 years. Throughout her distinguished career, she also held roles as athletics operations manager, administrative assistant to the director of athletics, and chair of physical education.
"Betty represented Hartwick College with a quiet dignity, grace and efficiency so that the Hartwick Athletic trains could run on time," said Thom Meredith '73, PM'24, Hartwick Athletics Hall of Famer and longtime friend. "You will most certainly be missed every day in the years to come, but every time someone walks through the front doors of Binder, they will be walking into history — the Betty Powell Foyer. Congratulations, 'BP', and a sincere thank you from all of us for a life well lived here at Hartwick College."
Her impact on Hartwick College has been recognized in numerous ways, including her induction into the Hartwick Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2025, Powell received the College's highest honor, the President's Medal, recognizing her extraordinary service, leadership and unwavering dedication to the Hartwick community.
"There are no words that can begin to express my feelings for this great honor," said Powell. "I could say thank you, which I do. I could say I am overwhelmed, moved, humbled and completely surprised, which I am. But those words still would not begin to express what I truly feel in my heart. I have been blessed with a lifelong career doing something I grew to truly love, alongside people who gave back to me more than I could ever give to them, at a place I will always love. Who could ask for more? I have been a part of Hartwick's past and present, and I look forward to continuing to be a part of its future."
The Betty Powell '82 Foyer will stand as a permanent tribute to her leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to Hartwick Athletics. Welcoming generations of student-athletes, alumni, and visitors into the Binder Physical Education Center, the foyer will serve as a daily reminder of the dedication, excellence, and selfless service that defined Powell's remarkable career and continue to inspire the Hartwick community for years to come.
About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.
