On Thursday, June 13, Stuyvesant alumni, students, staff, friends and family gathered to dedicate the 3rd floor gymnasium to the late Coach Matt Hahn (1953-2021). Special thanks to the Alumni Association and the PE Department for their collaboration on this wonderful and memorable event.
See a folder of photos from the event at this link.
Coach Dave Velkas shared that Coach Hahn always believed that students deserved a chance to take the field and shine regardless of their (dis)ability. This was as true in the classroom as it was in the game. For nearly 40 years, Coach Hahn was a stalwart of Stuyvesant’s Athletics staff as coach of our JV Football team, and JV and Varsity Baseball teams. He also worked in the Stuyvesant Program office for over 20 years.
Confined to a wheelchair since 1979 due to an automobile accident, Coach Hahn served as an inspiration to all those who encountered him with his perseverance, positive attitude, and friendly smile. “Matty,” as he was known among friends and colleagues, was instrumental in bringing changes in New York City to assist those with disabilities who faced discrimination and was even honored for his service to the community by then Mayor Koch.
See a full size photo collage here.
