Man Behind Development Of BU's Event Center Passes Away

While you may or may not know the name Matt Bassett, if you are a Binghamton University sports fan, his name means a lot. Bassett was one of the people behind the development of the Events Center at Binghamton University.

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Bassett passed away at the age of 62 after a short illness. He had a master's degree from Syracuse University and began his professional career there as a men's basketball coach.

Bassett began his professional career in athletics as a men's basketball coach. He was a member of the Syracuse University staff that advanced to the1987 Final Four. He left to be the head coach at Green Mountain College for four years before going to Quinnipiac University as an assistant coach.

Matt Bassett At Binghamton University

Bassett joined Binghamton University in 1997 as the Associate Director Intercollegiate Athletics before becoming the Senior Associate Director in 1999. It was during this time that he helped elevate the program with the development of the Events Center that made Binghamton University, the envy of the America East Conference.

In total, Bassett was a Bearcat for nine years and his leadership helped shape the athletic department for years to come. He was a mentor to many and he left his mark as he helped Binghamton University transition from a Division 3 school to a Division 1 school.

His was a life taken too soon but Bassett's was a life well-lived. There is a saying that says "It's not the years in your life but the life in your years that make all the difference" and by all accounts Bassett was a difference-maker.

A celebration of life will be held for Bassett this summer.