Pursell ’88 kicks-off the Stadium Campaign for Mansfield with $30,000 Gift

MANSFIELD, Pa. – Mansfield Alumni-Athletic Hall of Fame member Rod Pursell ’88 kicked off the Stadium Campaign for Mansfield with a $30,000 gift to support the renovation project through the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation.

“When I believe in something, I commit to it,” explained Pursell. “Mansfield is about opportunity, and this is an opportunity to make our campus better. Now we need others to step up and make a commitment to support current and future Mansfield students.”

Mansfield’s Karl Van Norman Field and Maxson Track stadium complex will undergo a transformative $4 million renovation. The project will modernize the stadium, elevate the student experience, and enhance a vital campus and community gathering space. 

The project includes new artificial turf at Van Norman Field, a resurfaced Robert T. Maxson Track, and upgraded stadium seating. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with completion in time for the fall 2026 athletic season. Additional enhancements are possible via donor support through the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation.

“Rod’s commitment to Mansfield reflects the deep pride and passion our alumni have for this institution,” said Bashar W. Hanna, Commonwealth University president. “His generosity is an inspiring first step in a campaign that will shape the future of the Mansfield campus and our student experience.”

Pursell was a four-year letterwinner as an offensive lineman on the Mountaineer football team from 1983-86. He was a two-time 1st Team All-PSAC East selection (1985 and 1986) and earned Little All-American Honors in 1986. Pursell was the first recipient of the Frank Butsko Award, the highest honor a Mansfield football player can receive.

Pursell and his family have also been longtime supporters of Mansfield students’ academic pursuits through the Rod and Donna Pursell Endowed Academic Scholarship, which was established in 2013.

“This campaign is about more than a stadium—it’s about pride, progress, and possibilities,” said Kate Billmeyer, executive director of the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation. “Rod’s incredible generosity sets the pace, and we’re excited to partner with others who want to make a lasting impact.”

To support the Stadium Campaign for Mansfield, connect with Billmeyer at the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation at 570-204-2052 or kbillmeyer@cu-mansfield.org. Learn more about the MU Mountaineer Foundation at mountaineerfdn.org.