McCollum Gate

A Lasting Welcome to the Haven

A landmark made possible by the generosity of alumni, friends, and supporters whose commitment helps preserve the history and future of Lock Haven.

About cpt. William McCollum ‘38

Captain William R. McCollum was killed in action on July 8, 1944, leading his men of M Company, 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division. 

He was born in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania in 1916, and was a three-sport athlete: baseball (catcher), boxing (heavyweight) and football (defensive end). McCollum was a star on the 1936 and 1937 football teams and was selected to the Eastern Collegiate All-Star Team in 1938. He graduated from Lock Haven State Teachers College in 1938.  

William entered military service on June 4, 1941. He finished Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, was commissioned Second Lieutenant on May 21, 1942 and was promoted to Captain one year later, on June 4, 1943.  

Captain McCollum was killed in action near the town of Cherbourg in Normandy on July 8, 1944. His body now lies in Fairview Cemetery in Lock Haven. 

Old McCollum Field was named in his honor in 1953. The throwing area for LHU Track & Field next to Lawrence Field was dedicated in his honor in 2015. 

BUILT BY THE HAVEN FAMILY

With gratitude to those who make it possible.

The McCollum Gate is more than an entrance. It is a lasting symbol of pride in Lock Haven, a welcome to generations of Bald Eagles, and a reminder of what can be accomplished when the Haven Family comes together.

Located at the Lusk Run Road/Hill Street entrance to Hubert Jack Stadium, the McCollum Gate creates a distinctive arrival point for students, alumni, families, fans, and visitors. The project blends traditional campus character with a renewed stadium entrance, creating a landmark designed to serve The Haven for years to come.

“In loving memory of Melinda Horton Cavagnaro ’77. I love you.” - Ernie Cavagnaro ‘77 -

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“I donate for likes on the Gram!" - John Vitale '13 -ing memory of Melinda Horton Cavagnaro ’77. I love you.” - Ernie Cavagnaro ‘77 -

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“In loving memory of Melinda Horton Cavagnaro ’77. I love you.” - Ernie Cavagnaro ‘77 - 〰️ “I donate for likes on the Gram!" - John Vitale '13 -ing memory of Melinda Horton Cavagnaro ’77. I love you.” - Ernie Cavagnaro ‘77 - 〰️

Honoring a lock haven legend

On behalf of the Lock Haven University Foundation, thank you for your generous support for the McCollum Gate project. Your contribution helped make this meaningful addition to the Lock Haven campus possible, and we are grateful for your commitment to honoring Captain William R. McCollum’s legacy.

We are pleased to invite you to the McCollum Gate Dedication on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Hubert Jack Stadium entrance. We hope that you will be able to celebrate with us as we officially dedicate the gate and recognize those whose generosity brought the project to fruition.

In appreciation of your support, donors to the McCollum gate project will be recognized in several ways, including:

A collective donor appreciation plaque placed at the gate, thanking all donors who supported the project, featuring a QR code that directs visitors to a dedicated webpage on the Lock Haven University Foundation website where each donor will be individually recognized.

Dedicated webpage sharing the story of the McCollum Gate project and recognizing its supporters.

Recognition during the ceremony, including verbal acknowledgment and donor recognition of posters/displays.

Recognition in Lock Haven University Foundation publications highlighting the project and the generosity of its supporters

While the gate proudly bears the McCollum name, these additional recognition opportunities are intended to celebrate the collective generosity of everyone who helped make this project a reality.

We are truly grateful for your partnership and the role you played in creating a lasting addition to The Haven. We look forward to celebrating with you at the dedication and personally expressing our appreciation for your support.

Sincerely,

Ashley Koser
Executive Director
Lock Haven University Foundation