Bethany College Dedicates Baseball Field in Memory of G. Ogden Nutting 

BETHANY, W.Va. (Aug. 8, 2025) – Bethany College hosted a special dedication ceremony to celebrate the restoration of its baseball field and honor the legacy of longtime trustee G. Ogden Nutting. 

The upgrades to the field were made possible through a gift from the Nutting family, given in memory of Ogden, who served on Bethany’s Board of Trustees for 45 years. His leadership helped guide the College through decades of growth and change, and his impact continues to shape the student experience today. 

Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi reflected on Nutting’s influence during the event, noting that his legacy extends beyond buildings and board meetings. 

“His name is etched into our campus — on the Nutting Gymnasium, the Ogden Dining Hall — but more importantly, his legacy lives in the students whose lives have been changed here,” said Caridi. 

After the field sustained significant weather damage earlier this year, Bethany’s baseball team faced uncertainty about where they would play. The Nutting family’s support ensured that players would have a safe, high-quality facility to call their own. 

“Because of [this gift], today’s and tomorrow’s Bison baseball players will compete on a field that matches their talent and ambition,” said Caridi. 

The Nutting family’s involvement with Bethany spans three generations. Ogden’s son, Bob Nutting, also served as a trustee, and his granddaughter, Taylor (Nutting) Gurbacs, now serves on the board and leads the Nutting Family Foundation. 

In addition to Caridi’s remarks, several others spoke during the ceremony, including Bethany College General Counsel Marc Chernenko ’78, Director of Athletics Jen Windmiller, baseball player Sonny Peluchette, and Board of Trustees member Taylor (Nutting) Gurbacs. Each speaker shared personal reflections and the significance of the restored field for current and future Bison athletes. 

Caridi thanked the family for continuing a tradition of service rooted in humility, loyalty, and a deep belief in the college’s mission. 

“Let this field carry forward the spirit of the man we honor today. A man who gave deeply, served faithfully, and left Bethany better than he found it.” 

The dedication concluded with appreciation for the Nutting family’s generosity and a celebration of the values that continue to drive Bethany forward.