History: Yates Field House: Campus Recreation Center

The Yates Memorial Field House was opened in the fall of 1979 and named in honor of Gerard F. Yates, S.J.  The Field House is a "modern architechtural wonder" that has 142,300 square feet of recreational space built underground.  Kehoe Field, an all-weather Astroturf playing surface on its roof, is home to intramural, recreational, club sport, and intercollegiate activity.

Gerard F. Yates, S.J.

"Teacher, priest, counselor, administrator and friend to Georgetown students for 40 years, Father Yates brought distinction to the University and to the Society of Jesus. Patience and professionalism, personal concern and good sense earned the love of faculty and students.  A sense of humor, a talent for music, and eye for the decent and proper - drew not only respect, but friendship based on his care for others.

Inside the classroom Father Yates taught classiscs, history and political science as an educational apostolate; as an assistant, associate, and full professor.  At one time he was chairman of the political science department and then Dean of the Graduate School.  Outside the classroom he vigorously promoted activities that continue to strengthen the quality of student life; the Chimes, Masque and Bauble, the glee club, student-faculty basketball and baseball games, programs to aid foreign students, the Gold Key Society, to name a few.

Father Yates built friendships that have kept three generations of alumni responsive to Georgetown traditions.  His work, public and private, reflects his devotion to students and alumni - to all things Georgetown."

-from the dedication of the Yates Memorial Field House
October 28, 1979