Landmark Gift Establishes Endowed John F. Kennedy Head Hockey Coach Position
9/28/2026 10:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Athletics is proud to announce a transformative philanthropic commitment of $2.5 million from John F. Kennedy '70, '16 (H) to establish a permanently endowed position for the head coach of the university's ice hockey program. This marks the first ever endowed coaching position in UMass Lowell Athletics history.
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"John's generosity has had an incredible impact on UMass Lowell Athletics, and this landmark gift is another powerful example of his belief in our student-athletes and the future of our programs," said Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. "Establishing the John F. Kennedy Head Coach Endowment Fund creates a lasting legacy of excellence, and provides important resources and stability for our hockey program for generations to come. We are tremendously grateful to John for his remarkable commitment to UMass Lowell and for the enduring impact he continues to have on our university."
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This announcement is being made in conjunction with UMass Amherst Athletics, as Kennedy has made equal $2.5 million gifts to each campus to endow the head coach positions for their hockey programs.
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"Making this gift is important and meaningful to me because I have a deep appreciation for both hockey programs," explained Kennedy. "Just as importantly, I consider both coaches very good friends. Norm, whom I've known for more than 15 years, is simply a fantastic coach, who continues to build winning teams year after year at Lowell. I was so happy to be there with the River Hawks at the Frozen Four several years ago. Both Norm and Greg are exceptional leaders who deserve our support, and I'm proud to make this gift to champion their programs."
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The historic gift represents enduring support for the leadership, development and continued success of the UMass Lowell ice hockey program. In recognition of his extraordinary generosity, the position will be formally titled the John F. Kennedy Head Hockey Coach.
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"This is a defining moment for UMass Lowell hockey and for the future of our program," commented Norm Bazin on becoming the first ever John F. Kennedy Head Hockey Coach at UMass Lowell. "An endowed head coaching position is a lasting investment in people. It gives our program the stability and resources necessary to pursue excellence, while remaining true to the values of UMass Lowell. We are deeply grateful for this remarkable commitment."
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Kennedy, who was inducted into the UMass Lowell Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025, is already the largest benefactor of UMass Lowell Athletics, contributing to every single program and the department as a whole. His stewardship has included naming the Kennedy Family Athletic Complex, the Kennedy Family Basketball Court and the Kennedy Cup Challenge.
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Kennedy graduated from one of UMass Lowell's predecessor institutions, Lowell Technological Institute, and went on to have a highly successful career in the tech sector. In addition to athletics, Kennedy is a tremendous supporter of the entire Lowell campus. He provided the lead gift to name the William J. '54 and John F. Kennedy '70 College of Sciences, and has been a major contributor to both the Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center and to his fraternity, Sigma Phi Omicron.
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"This is about his legacy," added Bazin. "John is a pioneer who is paving the way for future leaders to follow in his footsteps. We are incredibly fortunate to have John, who believes so deeply in our program and in our student-athletes. This gift creates an extraordinary foundation for the future of UMass Lowell hockey."
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"John's generosity has had an incredible impact on UMass Lowell Athletics, and this landmark gift is another powerful example of his belief in our student-athletes and the future of our programs," said Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. "Establishing the John F. Kennedy Head Coach Endowment Fund creates a lasting legacy of excellence, and provides important resources and stability for our hockey program for generations to come. We are tremendously grateful to John for his remarkable commitment to UMass Lowell and for the enduring impact he continues to have on our university."
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This announcement is being made in conjunction with UMass Amherst Athletics, as Kennedy has made equal $2.5 million gifts to each campus to endow the head coach positions for their hockey programs.
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"Making this gift is important and meaningful to me because I have a deep appreciation for both hockey programs," explained Kennedy. "Just as importantly, I consider both coaches very good friends. Norm, whom I've known for more than 15 years, is simply a fantastic coach, who continues to build winning teams year after year at Lowell. I was so happy to be there with the River Hawks at the Frozen Four several years ago. Both Norm and Greg are exceptional leaders who deserve our support, and I'm proud to make this gift to champion their programs."
Â
The historic gift represents enduring support for the leadership, development and continued success of the UMass Lowell ice hockey program. In recognition of his extraordinary generosity, the position will be formally titled the John F. Kennedy Head Hockey Coach.
Â
"This is a defining moment for UMass Lowell hockey and for the future of our program," commented Norm Bazin on becoming the first ever John F. Kennedy Head Hockey Coach at UMass Lowell. "An endowed head coaching position is a lasting investment in people. It gives our program the stability and resources necessary to pursue excellence, while remaining true to the values of UMass Lowell. We are deeply grateful for this remarkable commitment."
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Kennedy, who was inducted into the UMass Lowell Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025, is already the largest benefactor of UMass Lowell Athletics, contributing to every single program and the department as a whole. His stewardship has included naming the Kennedy Family Athletic Complex, the Kennedy Family Basketball Court and the Kennedy Cup Challenge.
Â
Kennedy graduated from one of UMass Lowell's predecessor institutions, Lowell Technological Institute, and went on to have a highly successful career in the tech sector. In addition to athletics, Kennedy is a tremendous supporter of the entire Lowell campus. He provided the lead gift to name the William J. '54 and John F. Kennedy '70 College of Sciences, and has been a major contributor to both the Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center and to his fraternity, Sigma Phi Omicron.
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"This is about his legacy," added Bazin. "John is a pioneer who is paving the way for future leaders to follow in his footsteps. We are incredibly fortunate to have John, who believes so deeply in our program and in our student-athletes. This gift creates an extraordinary foundation for the future of UMass Lowell hockey."
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