Millersville, Pa. - Following extensive renovations to the Pucillo Gymnasium lobby, the area will be renamed the Anttonen Athletics Lobby in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Ralph (Doc) and Judith Anttonen in a dedication ceremony prior to the Nov. 15 men's basketball game against Wilmington.
 
The dedication serves to recognize the philanthropic support and years of volunteering, advocating, mentoring, teaching, announcing and scorekeeping for Millersville basketball and volleyball. The Anttonens have given many significant gifts over their lifetime as well as a recent additional multi-year commitment to Millersville Athletics.
 
In addition to new flooring, wall tile, doors and ceiling tile, the lobby renovations include a focus on Millersville University's strong athletic tradition. Graphics of all-time great Millersville student-athletes and teams adorn the walls. A new All-America wall was installed, and the official location of the Millersville University Athletics Hall of Fame was moved to the lobby.
 
"Heading into this project, we wanted to find a way to showcase the rich history and tradition of Marauder Athletics," said director of athletics Miles Gallagher. "The finished product accomplishes just that and it's something everyone connected to Marauder Athletics can be proud of. I'm even more excited that the lobby will be named after the Anttonens. They have been unbelievable supporters on so many levels for Millersville Athletics. This naming reaffirms their commitment to providing scholarships to our student-athletes and it establishes a legacy in their name that will be forever cemented in our history."
 
Ralph, more commonly known as Doc Roc from his years as the advisor for the student radio station WIXQ, retired in 2013 as chair and professor of Academic and Student Development after 44 years at Millersville University. Doc was inducted to the Millersville University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016 for his 44 years of announcing at Millersville athletic events. Judith received a bachelor's degree from Millersville in 1973 and a master's degree in 1976 and went on to teach special education at Lancaster Intermediate Unit and Conestoga Valley School District until retiring in 2006. Together they were the grand marshals of the Millersville Community Parade in 2008 and directed the annual Millersville Mile for 25 years. They continue to host their own radio show on WIXQ, "The Doc and Mama Show," every Saturday evening since it started in 1979.
 
The lobby renovations are complete and open to the public for viewing. The dedication ceremony is invitation only, and the Anttonens will be recognized on the court prior to tipoff of the game.