Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University officially unveiled a new historical photo exhibit in Calkins Hall this week, celebrating the building's storied past as the original home of Hofstra Basketball. The exhibit was curated and donated by alumnus and faculty member Chris R. Vaccaro ('07), who has served as a journalism professor in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication since 2010 and currently directs the graduate journalism program.

Calkins Hall, now an academic building, housed Hofstra Basketball from 1938 to 1970, serving as the program's first gymnasium. The newly installed exhibit features four archival photographs that bring the building's athletic history to life, including images of the building's original exterior and on-court action during its early years.

To commemorate the exhibit's launch, Vaccaro was joined by Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. and Hofstra Men's Basketball Head Coach Speedy Claxton for a ceremonial unveiling inside the building.

"This exhibit connects generations of Hofstra students, athletes, and alumni," said Vaccaro. "Preserving this piece of history honors the foundation of our basketball tradition and reminds us how far we've come. I have walked in that building hundreds of times since being a student at Hofstra, and I always think about its unique history. I hope this exhibit piques the interest of our students and faculty for years to come." 

Vaccaro, an author and historian, published Hofstra Athletics, a photo history book through Arcadia Publishing in 2012. His gift of this curated exhibit further cements his commitment to preserving and sharing Hofstra's rich athletic legacy.

Calkins Hall, named after Hofstra's first president, Dr. Truesdel Peck Calkins, remains an integral part of the academic landscape on campus. However, thanks to this new display, its roots as a hub of Hofstra Pride are now permanently on display for all to see.