Tennis Courts Dedicated to Downing Howell on Saturday

Oglethorpe University dedicated the "Downing Howell Tennis Courts" in a ceremony on Saturday morning. The dedication was in recognition of endowment gifts supporting the Oglethorpe University tennis program from Atlanta attorney and civic leader Mr. G. Arthur Howell, Jr., who died on November 25, 2010.

The Downing Howell Tennis Courts will remember his late grandson. Mr. Howell was an Oglethorpe University Trustee Emeriti, having served on the Board of Trustees for more than 50 years, from 1946-2001. He also served as Board chairman and received an honorary degree from Oglethorpe in 1972. Mr. Howell enjoyed sports and was often seen in the stands at Oglethorpe events.

The Howell family is steeped in the tennis tradition. Mr. Howell's son, Peter Howell, is the Oglethorpe Tennis coach. Peter Howell founded the Georgia Professional Tennis Association and was inducted into the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010.

"Mr. Howell was a very special friend to Oglethorpe," said Oglethorpe University President Lawrence M. Schall. "In light of Arthur's recent passing, the event takes on another layer of significance to the Oglethorpe community. We look forward to honoring him, his legacy and his generosity."