FERGUSON RECREATION CENTER

Home of the FDU-Florham Men's and Women's Basketball Teams & Men's and Women's Swimming Teams

The Roberta Chiaviello Ferguson and Thomas G. Ferguson Recreation Center is the home of the FDU Devils, the University’s Division III sports program. It features three full-size basketball courts, two racquetball courts, an Olympic-style weight-training room, a fitness center, coaching offices, an elevated jogging track and a competition-sized swimming pool. The Recreation Center also houses the Rutherford Room, which is a carpeted banquet hall fit for formal meetings and events.

Fairleigh Dickinson University recognizes that formalized sports programming and recreational activities play an important role in educating the total individual. A tangible reflection of the University's commitment to this ideal is the Ferguson Recreation Center and its programs. The mission of the Recreation Center is to provide a wide range of recreational activities to FDU students, staff, and alumni and support the College at Florham physical education program, intramurals and intercollegiate athletic programs. Recreation Center programs will promote and encourage fair play and seek to enhance individual recreational skills and interests while developing lifelong leisure time habits.

HOURS OF OPERATION- For more information please contact

Building Manager- (973)- 443- 8943

Roberta Chiaviello Ferguson & Thomas G. Ferguson Biography

Thomas G. Ferguson, BS'65(R), is living embodiment
of his one principal rule: "Never give up"

     The successful entrepreneur and generous philanthropist is the chairman emeritus of CommonHealth USA, a strategic alliance between the Ferguson Communications Group and the HLS Corp. The 10-company consortium, headquartered in northern New Jersey, is the largest health care marketing and communications resource in the world, with more than 350 employees and $498 million in billings in 1996.

     But success did not come easy, and giving up might have been an option for some. "We were nearly bankrupt from the day we started (1974) to 1983. It was so bad, the bank would not lend us money, but it did give us advice." What this particular lending institution said was get your finances in order. That's when Ferguson hired fellow FDU alumna Pam Rossetti, MA'78(R), MBA(T-H), to chart the financial course. Led by her financial acumen, Ferguson's commitment to service and penchant for developing strong business relationships, and a motivated and talented team, the profits soon soared. "It all begins with people of character," Ferguson said.
     Ferguson's trust in people and his strong faith in God have inspired countless efforts in and outside the business world. He works devotedly on behalf of causes that "project and sustain character and values" and to "defend life at all stages". He is president emeritus of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for needy students in Passaic, Morris and Sussex counties; and chairman of the Lay Board of Delbarton School, Morristown, NJ; the Principal's Council of St. Elizabeth Academy, Convent Station NJ; and the Advisory Board of Birth Haven, an independent, nonprofit organization providing support and housing for pregnant women. He also is chairman emeritus of the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey.

      His wife, Roberta, and his four children have been major parts of Ferguson's achievement. "It's always been a family success," he said. "Everyone has contributed. Being married to the right person and having a supportive family have enabled me to reach my potential."

     Ferguson met Roberta at FDU (although they did not start dating until after college), where he never enjoyed academic excellence. "I had better success socially than in the classroom." Still, he says, "FDU was there when I needed it," and he has been determined to return the favor. Not only did he successfully chair the Campaign for the New FDU, but he provided the leadership that formed the Alumni Association Board of Governors and served on the Board of Trustees, the Presidential Advisory Council and various other committees. For his outstanding accomplishments, he was inducted as a charter member of The PINNACLE, the highest honor FDU bestows on its alumni.
     A recipient of numerous awards, Ferguson is particularly proud of being named a knight of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II for his service to the church and the reflection of his faith in his life's work.

     For Ferguson though, the ultimate satisfaction is watching people he cares about develop their potential. "I love to see individuals grow. At the agency, we genuinely care about each other and those we work for."