NJIT Recognizes United Services, Inc.'s Commitment to University with Naming of Fitness Center

NJIT hosted a program and reception to celebrate the naming of the United Services, Inc. Fitness Center in the Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center (WEC). 

United Services, Inc. (USI) pledged $1 million to NJIT. The company is a key NJIT contractor and provides operational services in the WEC. 

The United Services, Inc. Fitness Center was named in recognition of their generosity, and its gift will support several initiatives, such as establishing a student-athlete scholarship and creating an athletics facilities enhancement fund. In addition, USI will support the Highlander Fueling Station for student-athletes.

Featured at the event was Ray Pardo, founder and president of USI, and Dave Quigley, vice president of USI. NJIT President Teik C. Lim and First Lady Gina Lim, Athletics Director Leonard Kaplan, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Ken Alexo, athletics staff and student athletes were among the attendees. 

“USI’s extraordinary dedication to NJIT demonstrated through its commitment to scholarships, our campus facilities and athletic program motivates our students to attain athletic and academic success,” said Lim. “Since we entered Division I athletics, NJIT has committed to become a model program that has invested in facilities that empower our hardworking, high-achieving student athletes to compete at the highest level.

“We are profoundly grateful that USI has chosen to join us in investing in our students. So, Ray, Dave, it is no exaggeration to say that your recent pledge to this university is transformational, and we could not have been prouder to name United Services, Inc. Fitness Center to recognize the transformation you are making possible,” he added.

Kaplan highlighted how USI’s commitment will help keep the Fueling Station running, as it’s a place all student athletes use between practices and class. 

“To the student athletes here today, I asked you to take a look around and see what you have. Look at the places where you visit and compete. Appreciate what we have because it is truly special,” said Kaplan. “Thanks to partners like USI whose commitment is an investment in our collective present and future, I can say with absolute confidence that our future is very bright.”

After Daniella Vito ‘25, a junior business major, member of NJIT’s women’s soccer team and a building manager in the WEC, gave her speech thanking USI on behalf of the nearly 350 student-athletes, Pardo shared his words of encouragement.

“NJIT is a very special place, and all you need to do is spend some time with the student-athletes to know that there's something special going on here,” said Pardo. “I've had the pleasure to interact with some during the golf outing, and this year's celebration. You are the reason why this place is so special. 

“United Services Inc. takes pride in what we do, and we're happy to partner with NJIT, and this athletic department which takes so much pride in what it does.”