HACKENSACK, N.J. – FDU announced today that its Athletics Hall of Fame will be named after Dr. William L. O'Neill and Mrs. Frances C. O'Neill, honoring the extraordinary generosity and enduring commitment of Dr. William ('67, DDS '70) and Mrs. Frances O'Neill (A.A. '07, B.A. '13).

The FDU Dr. William L. O'Neill and Mrs. Frances C. O'Neill Hall of Fame will live in a newly renovated Stratis Lounge on the second floor of the Bogota Savings Bank Center. The O'Neill's impactful contribution will be recognized at an official dedication ceremony on February 14 at the FDU men's basketball game against Central Connecticut during Hall of Fame Weekend.

"Bill and Fran continue to be incredible benefactors for our department and University," said Senior Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Bradford Hurlbut. "I cannot think of more fitting individuals for our Hall of Fame to be named after. We look forward to celebrating their legacy in February."

The new Hall of Fame, which spans across the back wall of the Statis Lounge, recognizes each inductee by name. LED lights amplify the main acrylic display, making the Hall of Fame visible from the court of the Bogota Savings Bank Center.

Dr. O'Neill received his BS degree from FDU in 1967 and went on to graduate from the FDU School of Dentistry in 1970. His time as a student transformed into a lifetime of service to the University.  He served as the President of the Alumni Association Board of Governors. William went onto sit on the Board of Trustees for 30 years and was the Vice Chairman in 2003.  He directly contributed of the development of the University through his time as the Chairman of the Facilities Board Committee. In this role, he helped develop a master plan that included six major buildings including the reconfigured of Dickinson Hall, the Fitness Center and Northpointe Residence Hall.  He has been honored with the FDU Alumni Award, the FDU Pinnacle Award, the FDU Elia G. Stratis Service Award, and was inducted into the FDU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.

While Bill was at FDU, he and Frances were unknowingly crossing paths long before they ever met. It wasn't until a blind date arranged by mutual friends that the two finally met.

Frances supported William throughout his time as a dental student, and she volunteered as his patient at the FDU Dental Clinic. Their relationship continued to grow, as the two married in 1972 and raised two daughters.

Years later, Frances returned to FDU as a student. She earned her A.A. degree in 2007 and completed her B.A. in 2013. She actively participated and supported the FDU Women events and traveled to FDU's Wroxton College with Bill. They also attend FDU's annual Charter Day, benefactor and athletic events.
 
William and Frances continued to be dedicated benefactors of the University. Their support resulted in a classroom being named after them and the establishment of a scholarship for student-athletes in Science or Business Majors.
 
The 2026 FDU Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, February 13 at FDU. Those interested in learning more about the class can do so here.

About FDU Athletics
FDU is home to 23 NCAA Division I teams. A member of the NEC, the Knights have had tremendous success in the classroom, in athletic competition as well as giving back to the Bergen County community. FDU became the first school in NEC history to win championships in women's volleyball, women's soccer, and men's soccer in the same season (2022). In 2023, the Burgundy and Blue also became the first NEC school to win two games as a 16-seed in the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, including an upset over top-seeded Purdue. As a result of its incredible 2022-23 season, FDU placed 92nd in the Learfield Director's Cup, the first NEC program to finish in the Top 100. In 2024, Salif Mane captured the Triple Jump title at the 2024 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships, went on to win the gold medal at the Team USA Olympic Trials, and compete at the Paris Olympics. In 2025, FDU won four conference championships in the span of 35 days in women's basketball, women's bowling, women's golf, and women's tennis. Off the field, FDU student-athletes were recognized for their efforts in the community by winning the NEC Building Communities Award in 2020, 2024 and 2025. In addition to recent championships, FDU holds four additional national championships, two in sport of women's fencing and two in women's bowling.