McMaster honours Les Prince with grand opening of residence

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/les prince hall edited1.jpg” caption=”The grand opening of Les Prince Hall was held on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Photo by Susan Bubak. Below, members of Prince’s family unveiled a plaque in his honour. Photo by Heidi Bednar.”]A plaque honouring Dr. Leslie A. Prince was unveiled at the grand opening of Les Prince Hall, McMaster's newest residence, on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Members of Prince's family attended the event.

“We remember Les Prince, a dedicated teacher, coach and administrator, for his outstanding leadership and service in athletics and recreation, in student life and in the broader McMaster community,” said President Peter George.

Prince's career spanned 34 years, from his arrival at McMaster in 1946 to his retirement in 1980.

He held numerous positions, including assistant director of athletics, varsity coach, director of athletics, dean of men and dean of students. He and his family lived on campus until after he retired.

In recognition of his contributions to the university, Prince was named Athletics and Recreation Friend of Distinction, a member of the Athletics Hall of Fame and an Honorary Member of the McMaster Alumni Association. He received an honourary degree from McMaster in 1990.

The residence that bears Prince's name was opened in September, and now houses 389 students.

“Les Prince Hall has maximized two of the most important factors that students have told us they want from residence: a space that builds community, yet allows for some individual privacy,” said Phil Wood, associate vice-president (student affairs) and dean of students. “These two concepts can be hard to combine, yet they have been captured in Les Prince Hall. Each wing in this building has a common lounge and study room that encourages students to interact and build relationships with their floor mates.”