Local family honored for their generous $1M support of BGSU hockey and Slater Family Ice Arena
The ice arena’s new Green, Remeis and Green Mezzanine recognizes the significant gift from Allen and Mary Green, Mark ‘91 and Michelle ‘92 Remeis and Steven ‘90 and Michelle Green
By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07
10/28/2024
Home to the NCAA Division I Falcons hockey team, Slater Family Ice Arena at Bowling Green State University now features a striking new entrance and modernized interior as part of an extensive renovation project completed with generous support from a prominent Bowling Green family with deep ties to the University and community.
The combined $1 million gift from local business leaders Allen and Mary Green and their children and spouses, Mark ‘91 and Michelle ‘92 Remeis and Steven ‘90 and Michelle (Misty) Green, contributes to the growing momentum at BGSU and underscores the dynamic relationship between the University and Bowling Green community.
“BGSU is one of the greatest universities in the nation,” said Steve Green, a broker with A.A. Green Realty, Inc. and co-owner of Mecca Management, Inc. “Wherever you turn, there are new and exciting things happening around campus. We’re proud and fortunate to be a part of the momentum and excited about the future of BGSU and the hockey team.”
Al and Mary Green, who own A.A. Green Realty, Inc. and Allen A. Green Builder & Developer, Inc., echoed their son’s sentiments.
“You can tell by looking around campus that BGSU is on the move,” Al Green said. “This gift is our way of giving back to the University that has been an integral part of our family’s history.”
"Bowling Green State University is so grateful for the generous and longtime support of the Green and Remeis families, furthering the momentum taking place across our learning community and athletic programs,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “Leveraging the role of athletics is absolutely part of the comprehensive university experience, bringing students, alumni, fans and supporters together. This gift elevates the experience for our student-athletes and supporters, in a community that has long been known as a hockey town, and we look forward to continuing to engage with our community and region through this program for years to come.”
This gift is our way of giving back to the University that has been an integral part of our family’s history.Allen Green, longtime supporter of BGSU
The Green and Remeis families are great examples of individuals who are not only making transformational and generous investments in the growth of our community but who are also connected to how this University is leading change in our region and state.Derek van der Merwe, BGSU Director of Athletics
Mezzanine naming
In recognition of the generous contribution from the Green and Remeis families, the new mezzanine on the south end of the main rink was named the Green, Remeis and Green Mezzanine. This significant addition to the Slater Family Ice Arena includes luxury suites, club seats, concessions and premium rail seating, providing an enhanced fan and game-day experience.
“We’ve been talking about giving back to the hockey program for a while now,” said Michelle Remeis, co-owner of Mecca Management, Inc. and partner in GREM Family Investors. “This is just the right time. There is a lot of momentum, great energy and leadership at BGSU. It’s our way to give back to the University, which is very near and dear to our hearts.”
BGSU Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe commended the Green and Remeis families for their significant and continued investments in the University and support of Falcons hockey.
“We are so fortunate at Bowling Green State University to have individuals in our community and across the country who are driving the growth, vitality and mission of the University through philanthropic giving,” van der Merwe said. “The Green and Remeis families are great examples of individuals who are not only making transformational and generous investments in the growth of our community but who are also connected to how this University is leading change in our region and state. Our hockey program is an important part of what makes BGSU great. Their investment is a commitment to our continued investment in this important and historically significant point of pride for our campus.”
There is a lot of momentum, great energy and leadership at BGSU. It’s our way to give back to the University, which is very near and dear to our hearts.Michelle Remeis, longtime supporter of BGSU
The University’s Division I athletics fosters a vibrant campus culture, promoting the social and personal development of students while also contributing to BGSU ranking as the No. 1 public university in Ohio for student experience and opportunities.
The ice arena renovation project was initiated with a lead gift and support totaling more than $2.5 million from Scott Slater, for whom the facility is named.
New features include the addition of a 1,000-square-foot lobby at the west main entrance, highlighting the historic program’s achievements and promoting future growth. Improvements to existing building systems, life safety, accessibility and functionality were also made.
In addition to being home to Falcons hockey, the 90,000-square-foot building, first opened in 1967, hosts several high school hockey teams, the Bowling Green Skating Club, the Bowling Green Youth Hockey Association and offers various programs, including public skating, learn-to-skate lessons, youth and adult hockey and figure skating.
A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Slater Family Ice Arena will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 2. Following the celebration and open house, the Falcons will take on Ferris State at 7:07 p.m.
If everyone joins in and gives what they can, we can continue this upward momentum at BGSU. We’re proud to be one little piece of the puzzle, and we hope many more people will join in.Steve Green, longtime supporter of BGSU
Tradition of supporting BGSU
As Bowling Green residents, the Green and Remeis families have long supported BGSU and Falcons hockey. Mary Green recalled bringing the youngest of their three children, Julianna, to games as an infant, a tradition that led to the entire family developing an affinity for the sport.
Al and Steve Green witnessed the Falcons clinch the NCAA national championship in 1984 and spent many Friday nights cheering on the Falcons at Slater Family Ice Arena.
“The kids grew up with hockey,” Al Green said. “The experience of watching the team win the national championship in Lake Placid was phenomenal. Hockey has been a big part of what we enjoy about the University.”
In addition to supporting Falcons hockey, Al and Mary Green have given generously to student success-focused campaigns, including establishing multiple endowed scholarships in athletics, business and education. They also contributed to the construction of the Robert M. and Patricia A. Maurer Center, enhancing business education facilities. In 2020, Al Green was inducted into the Entrepreneurial Leadership Hall of Fame.
Mark and Michelle Remeis have generously supported numerous athletic scholarships, facilities and spaces. Michelle Remeis previously served on the BGSU Alumni Board.
Steve and Misty Green have also generously supported BGSU athletics programs, campaigns and academic areas. Steve Green served on the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Circle and the “Bring Back the Glory” campaign committee to support the Slater Family Ice Arena and hockey program.
The families unanimously agreed that while the recognition of their support is appreciated, they hope their generosity will inspire others to give to BGSU.
“I always tell my kids that it’s the little things you do that get you across the finish line in the end, and this is one of those little things,” Steve Green said. “If everyone joins in and gives what they can, we can continue this upward momentum at BGSU. We’re proud to be one little piece of the puzzle, and we hope many more people will join in.”
Bowling Green State University is so grateful for the generous and longtime support of the Green and Remeis families, furthering the momentum taking place across our learning community and athletic programsBGSU President Rodney K. Rogers
