View a photo gallery of the event here.

Salisbury University celebrated a milestone moment on April 9, with the ribbon cutting and official naming of the Thomas Family Tennis Pavilion. The upgraded facility will support Sea Gull tennis student-athletes for years to come. The six-figure gift is reflected in both the physical space of the pavilion and in an endowment supporting the men's and women's tennis programs.

The gift made possible renovations to the tennis team room, upgrades to the pavilion entrance, and improvements to the facility that serves as the gateway to SU's outdoor tennis courts. The renovation and endowment were made possible through the generosity of Ed and Michele Thomas, longtime supporters of Salisbury University and avid tennis enthusiasts.

The Thomas family has deep ties to Salisbury University tennis. Ed's late brother, Chris Thomas, was a Salisbury alumnus who played tennis from 1973 to 1976. Their brother Fred's son, Evan Thomas, is a member of the SU Class of 2010 and served as a tennis team captain. Evan was inducted into the Salisbury University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.

The Thomas Family Tennis Pavilion is named in honor and memory of Ed, Chris, and Fred's parents, Edward H. Thomas and Sue M. Thomas, as well as Christopher C. Thomas.

"The Thomas Family Tennis Pavilion stands as a powerful commitment to the success, well-being, and future of Salisbury University tennis," said Monica Polizzi, director of athletics and campus recreation. "The Thomas family provided us with a revitalized space where our student-athletes can prepare, connect, and build team culture, along with an endowment that helps them reach their full potential. Their generosity reflects the importance of investing in our campus community, our families, and our future. We are deeply grateful."

"This gift will have a tremendous impact on our program," said first-year head coach Tyler Linscott. "Having a dedicated team room gives our student-athletes a place they can truly call their own, which builds pride, connection, and a stronger team culture. It elevates the daily experience for our players and creates a space where meaningful work and relationships will grow. Beyond the team room, this support enhances the overall student-athlete experience and strengthens our recruiting efforts by showing the level of commitment and investment in our program. We are incredibly grateful for this generosity and excited about what it will make possible."

The Thomas family's generosity to Salisbury University has been deeply personal and longstanding. Michele Thomas previously served as vice president of business development at The Bank of Delmarva. Ed Thomas served as president and CEO of the bank. Both previously served on the Salisbury University Foundation Board of Directors, with Ed serving from 1998 to 2010, including time as chair.



At Salisbury University, the Thomas family has supported a wide range of initiatives, including athletics, education, nursing, music, the Nabb Center, Delmarva Public Radio, and numerous high-impact practices. Beyond the University, their philanthropic support has included the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra and the Jack Purnell Chris Thomas Memorial Tennis Tournament.

"Tennis and Salisbury University have been hugely important to our family beginning in 1958 when my parents purchased a home at 1204 Camden Avenue, directly across the street from the campus," said Ed in his remarks at the dedication. "Shortly after we moved to Salisbury, an initial row of six tennis courts was built on College Avenue behind Holloway Hall. Those courts were a quick bike ride down Camden Avenue and they became our second home with my brothers and I taking lessons and playing in leagues and tournaments. That was my first connection, of what would become many, with the college."

The Thomas Family Tennis Pavilion stands as a lasting reflection of the family's generosity, their love of tennis, and their commitment to the Salisbury community.

Ed concluded his remarks echoing the pride that was felt in the dedication.  "Neither Michele or I are alums but we are both proud to have had active roles with SU. We see our gift as another connection between SU and our extended family. We are proud to honor our parents and brother with this gift and we are confident that they would be pleased to be honored and remembered in this way."