Sports complex named after Putrah family

From now on, those driving past the former Shattuck-St. Mary’s Sports Complex might notice something different on the front of the building: a sign bearing a new name, honoring the longtime supporters of the school — the Putrah family.

The Putrah family has supported Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault for more than a half-century. As of Friday, those contributions were cemented into Shattuck-St. Mary’s history as they unveiled the new name, the Putrah Sports Complex, according to a press release from the school.

“The Putrah family, deeply rooted in the Faribault community and the fabric of Shattuck-St. Mary’s, will be honored for their generous contribution to the School and for their enduring commitment to education and community enrichment,” the release says.

The late Kathleen and Dale Putrah began supporting the local Episcopal-affiliated college-prep school, and its hockey teams and arenas, more than a half-century ago.

“This naming, in part, honors their contributions and memory for decades to come,” reads the release.

Their son, Trevor Putrah, followed suit and continued the legacy of support. Their “generous contributions” helped make the complex a reality, said the release.

“The journey to the Putrah Sports Complex has been one of collaboration, dedication and community spirit,” it said. “Through the tireless efforts and unwavering support of the Putrah family, alongside the Shattuck-St. Mary’s community, this dream has now become a reality.”

The sports complex has been in the works for years. It includes state-of-the-art facilities, ice arenas, a track mezzanine, locker rooms, a sports dome, a gym, a café and more. It was meant to bring the athletic department into the 21st century at Shattuck, according to Shattuck’s website.

Shattuck Head of Schools Matt Cavellier gave a speech at the dedication ceremony Friday.

“(The Putrah family’s) commitment to SSM extends beyond the financial,” Cavellier said. “Over the last seven years, Trevor has been a board member for our Shattuck-St. Mary’s Educational Services Subsidiary, is a founding member of our Hockey Advisory Board and, as of July, he is currently serving on the Development Committee of our Shattuck-St. Mary’s Board of Trustees.”

He then welcomed Trevor Putrah to the podium to share a few words.

“This place has always been about the people. It’s always been about the people,” Trevor said. “It hasn’t been any clearer than today, when you walk in here and it feels like the reunion that it does.”

Cavellier said Trevor and his family greeted people around the ceremony with hugs, as if they were at a family reunion.

“It’ll feel like that all day today on the golf course this evening,” Trevor continued. “But there’s this brotherhood and family-aspect to this school and this program that I’m just so grateful to be a part of it.”

That wasn’t the only family Trevor recognized.

“To my family, Caren and the girls,” he said, before taking a pause. “You three embody the very essence of Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Shattuck-St. Mary’s hockey. Your names aren’t in the brightest lights, or weren’t until today that is. But your fingerprints are all over this program. And I couldn’t be prouder of the human beings you three are, and the impact you’ve had on the school and those around you.”

The press release also made mention of the broader perspective the ceremony represents.

“This naming ceremony not only honors the Putrah family but also underscores the profound impact that individuals and families can have on the educational landscape and the broader community,” it reads. “Shattuck-St. Mary’s extends its deepest gratitude to the Putrah family.”