Students and visitors strolling through the Peace Garden can't help but notice the statue of Frank Aftosomes, better known as "Hot Dog Frank." So, who was Hot Dog Frank?

Frank was a part of LVC life since the 1930s. He was a kind local patron who held a special place in his heart for students. Frank had his restaurant and loved to see it filled with students. He was always willing to loan students money or give them free meals when they had no money. The best part about Frank's kindness was that the students always paid him back, even if it was years later.

Hot Dog Frank loved LVC basketball and attended games as often as possible. In 1994, while the Dutchmen were making a run at the National Championship, Frank Aftosomes died before seeing the Dutchmen pull off the underdog victory. Frank passed away at the age of 92 before the championship game against New York University. The Dutchmen forced overtime on a last second shot and went on to victory over the heavily favored NYU team.

A life-size statue of Hot Dog Frank stands in the Peace Garden commemorating his vast contributions to the campus. The statue is adorned with a 1994 National Championship ring just like the members of the Dutchmen team. Each year at Hot Dog Frank Day, all basketball game attendees are treated to hot dogs--free of charge, just like Frank would have had it.