More than 100 people gathered in a lounge of the residence hall to formally dedicate the Willie R. Evans Quadrangle.

Mark Alnutt, vice president and director of athletics, speaks about the remarkable and inspiring team of 1958, of which Evans was a member. The team declined an invitation to play in the Tangerine Bowl when they learned that Evans and teammate Mike Wilson, the only two Black players, would be barred from playing.

A guest looks through the event program.

Becky Paul-Odionhin, president of the undergraduate Student Association, offers remarks during the ceremony.

“For those of us who were fortunate enough to know him, Willie will always live in our hearts and, with this residence hall named in his memory, he will inspire our students for years to come,” President Satish K. Tripathi said.

“He was very proud of being part of the UB family," Evans' widow, Bobbi Evans said, "and whatever he did, he never ever gave any thought that he would get anything in return for it.”

In attendance were four of his teammates from that 1958 team: Joe Oliverio, Fred Kogut, Stan Kowalski and Nate Bliss.

Joe Oliverio greets a member of Evans' family.

The Evans family poses for photos in front of the doorway bearing his name.