BRIEFLY : Athletics: Major Donation for UCLA

James Easton of Jas. D. Easton Inc., sporting goods, has donated $620,000 to rebuild UCLA’s softball stadium and to provide financial support for the women’s softball and men’s baseball, football and archery programs.

In recognition of the gift, the university named the stadium in honor of Easton. A dedication ceremony was held last month during a women’s softball alumni game.

“It is a great pleasure to support the UCLA athletic program because of its overall excellence and the experience it gives the athletes and fans,” Easton said.

The 1,000-seat stadium includes sunken dugouts and a combination scoreboard and message center. Other improvements will include construction of a clubhouse and concession area and installation of night lights.

Easton serves as chairman, chief executive officer and president of Van Nuys-based Jas. D. Easton Inc. The West Los Angeles resident earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering at UCLA in 1960. A longtime supporter of the university, he is also a member of the UCLA Foundation Board of Trustees, the School of Engineering and Applied Science Dean’s Council and Chancellor’s Associates.