UVic unveils Murray and Lynda Farmer Walk of Excellence

UVic's new Murray and Lynda Farmer Walk of Excellence celebrating Vikes’ athletics legacy officially opened Aug. 26 in the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA).

A crowd including former Vikes filled the doublesided walkway lined with photographs, memorabilia and storyboards that chronicle the history and success of Vikes athletes, coaches and supporters. The walkway is named in honour of former Chancellor Murray Farmer and his wife Lynda.

The Farmers, long-time supporters of UVic, made a gift of $500,000 to CARSA to support the university’s commitment to the importance of an active lifestyle and the pursuit of athletic excellence in building healthy lives and communities.

“The Walk of Excellence serves as a stimulating visual panorama of Vikes’ accomplishments and showcases those individuals who, through their hard work, determination and self discipline, have created our athletic history—reflecting stories of excellence that have the potential to inspire others to live their own lives to the fullest and in the best way possible, whatever path is taken,” said Murray Farmer, a UVic alumnus who served as chancellor for two terms and as chair of the Board of Governors.

UVic President Jamie Cassels thanked those who donated to CARSA and in particular the Farmers for their support and their leadership in the broader community. “The breadth of their activities demonstrates their desire to see the multiple dimensions of society flourish—business and entrepreneurship, community development, health and well-being, culture and the arts.” Cassels particularly highlighted their commitment to post-secondary education and their longstanding support of both UVic and Camosun College.

Among those in attendance was Nancy Mollenhauer, a two-time Olympic women’s field hockey player and UVic Sports Hall of Fame inductee. “My success is a direct reflection of my time spent here at UVic,” said Mollenhauer. “To see this amazing Walk of Excellence open today, creating a legacy for the thousands of athletes who helped lay the foundation for what is, in my view, the most successful university athletic program in Canada.”

The walkway has four themes: a walk through time, accomplishments as Vikes, international success and national champions.

“We hope our new walkway will engage alumni and inspire the current athletes,” said Clint Hamilton, director of athletics and recreation. “We have a number of artifacts and stories in it now but it is a project that has a lot of room for constant renewal.”

Memorabilia include a podium outfit, swimsuit and Paralympic bronze medal from swimmer Stephanie Dixon; team Canada and UVic jerseys from men’s basketball player Eli Pasqua#8804; a Whitecaps FC jersey from former Vikes men’s soccer player Nico Craveiro; a wheelchair wheel from two-time national champion and Paralympian Janet McLachlan; and all 11 CIAU/CIS championship medals from women’s field hockey head coach Lynne Beecroft, who enters her 32nd season this fall.

The walkway, which is one of the entrances to the high performance gym, is also the new home for the UVic Sports Hall of Fame, which celebrates 40 individual and six team inductees.

Alumni who have memorabilia or stories they want considered for the Walk of Excellence or any UVic Sports Hall of Fame nominations can be sent to Ali Lee, Vikes communications officer, at vicvikes@uvic.ca.