In his 40 years at Boston University’s Fitness and Recreation Center, Warin Dexter has become one of those officials who will leave an “indelible imprint” on BU, said BU spokesman Colin Riley.
Dexter, the executive director at FitRec, decided to retire at the end of December.
“But I could probably do this another twenty years,” he said in an interview.
Dexter said he started out working in intramural sports and developed the club sports program in the 1970s. Appointed director in 1982 and executive director in 1984, he said he has seen the facility and programs expand.
“It’s grown over the years,” Dexter said. “We’ve grown in a nice way and I think that we have a very outstanding program, so I’m happy about that. I’m happy about all the things I’ve been involved in … I must have done something right.”
Dexter was responsible for bringing in state-of-the-art equipment to “withstand tremendous use” and played a large part in FitRec’s construction, Riley said.
“We didn’t want to build a building then have an article about how not to build a building. We wanted to build a building that came out pretty neat,” Dexter said. “And we think we accomplished that.”
Riley said he finds it mind-boggling that so many students use the resources at FitRec.
“Not every student’s going to know the director of the FitRec … but they’re going to realize what a great team [Dexter] had around him that he was able to do this,” Riley said. “I haven’t seen anyone who walks in there and isn’t a little bit overwhelmed at how beautiful [it is].”
Kira Armbrust, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, said that she was shocked the first time she went to FitRec. Dexter’s efforts, she said, have resulted in a “wonderful” facility that pushes the boundaries of what defines a campus gym.
“He has created an incredible place for BU students. I hope that his vision is carried on by the staff even as he retires,” Armbrust said.
“[FitRec] reinforces BU’s commitment to both physical and mental health. I am absolutely grateful for the lasting impact Dexter’s work has already had on my experience at BU,” said CAS freshman Rebecca Giden, who joined the rowing team this fall.
Dexter said he credits his staff, including student employees, for providing support during the construction of FitRec and its performance thereafter.
“I’ve had some unbelievable staff over the years and I have some great student friends that go back to when I first started here,” he said.
Once he retires, Dexter said he plans to relax for a bit and spend time with his wife.
“I think the two of us would just want to spend some kind of down time and enjoy our time together in the next phase for a while and just see what happens,” he said. “Our three kids are a little bit older … They’re figuring out their lives, and we’re certainly helping them with that.”
While Dexter looks forward to a new chapter of his life, he said that he will also miss his old job, from the environment to the students to his staff.
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