Each year, ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University proudly recognizes alumni student athletes, teams, administrator/faculty/staff members, friends of athletics, and ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ coaches who have demonstrated exceptional athletic achievements.
Individuals are inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame annually during the fall Homecoming celebration. Inductees are honored at a formal dinner, where they have the opportunity to accept their award in front of family, friends and other alumni. To view the entire list of recipients, click .
Who is eligible for the Athletic Hall of Fame?
In 2021, the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee drafted, voted on, and passed new bylaws that recognize deserving people in the Athletic Hall of Fame in addition to just alumni student athletes and coaches. Please see the expanded categories below.
In order to be considered for membership into ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½â€™s Athletic Hall of Fame, the following criteria must be met:
Student-Athlete
- Maximum of five (5) inductees annually
- Be a ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University graduate, who attended ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ for at least two years, and whose athletic eligibility expired at least five (5) years prior to being considered for election
- Has conducted themselves in such a way as to reflect honor on the university and has exhibited qualities of character and standards of conduct most desirable in one who may be cited as an example for young people.
- Hold a record in one or more intercollegiate sports, or have earned honors on the team, conference, regional or national level, or made a distinct contribution to sports.
Coaches
- Maximum of five (5) inductees annually
- Has been a ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University athletic coach for at least five (5) years.
- Has conducted themselves in such a way as to reflect honor on the university and has exhibited those qualities of character and standards of conduct most desirable in one who may be cited as an example for a coach.
- Has earned honors as a coach at the conference, regional or national level, or made a distinct contribution to sports.
Teams
- a maximum of three (3) teams inducted annually, every year starting 2022 for five (5) years, then beginning in 2027, a maximum of one (1) team will be inducted annually.
- Team accomplishments may be considered after ten (10) years of the significant season.
- Teams will be considered by the following criteria:
- Postseason Accomplishments
- NCAA National Tournament Finals Participant
- National Tournament wins
- Special accomplishments
- Undefeated regular season
- Team records
Administrator/Faculty member/Staff member
- A maximum of one (1) inductee annually
- Nominee must have been an employee for a minimum of 5 years
- Have been a long time attender to sporting events, supporter of student athletes throughout their ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ tenure, at the ready for special events and tournaments, advocate for athletics as vital to campus life.
- Has conducted themselves in such a way as to reflect honor on the university and has exhibited those qualities of character and standards of conduct most desirable in one who may be cited as an example for others.
Friend of Athletics
- A maximum of one (1) inductee annually
- A contributing Friend of Athletics selection includes consideration of time, service and support to advance the well-being of ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University athletics.
- Has conducted themselves in such a way as to reflect honor on the university and has exhibited those qualities of character and standards of conduct most desirable in one who may be cited as an example for others.
- May or may not be a ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ Alum.
- Furthers ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ Athletics by their professional/personal contributions
- Furthers ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ Athletics by their contributions to the Athletic Department
- This person does not meet other categorical criteria.
If you know someone or a team who fits the above description, nominate them for ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½â€™s Athletic Hall of Fame. Please submit an online nomination form or download the nomination form and return it in the mail by April 1.
- The selection committee consists of 15 members, plus a representative of the Alumni and Development Office and a representative of the Athletic department. The members are divided into three classes for terms of three years, are subject to reappointment and are appointed by the chair.
- Members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting.
Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Procedure
- Each year, qualified nominees will be considered by the committee with consideration given for national recognition, distinguishing themselves in their profession or field of endeavor, and for spirit and accomplishments in a sport or sports as a ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ student or coach.
- Voting will be conducted by confidential written ballot. Voting by mail, email or fax shall be considered official.
- A first ballot will be taken with each member being allowed to cast votes for up to one more than half the nominees. A majority of eligible votes shall place a nominee in the finalist category. A two-thirds vote of the committee shall be required on the second and final ballot for approval for induction into the Hall of Fame. Once the final ballot is counted and the vote is determined, all those duly elected will be notified of their selection.
- A nominee not selected the first year on the ballot shall remain on the ballot for up to two additional years, after which the nominee shall be dropped from the ballot if not elected. A nominee may be re-nominated after a one-year absence from the ballot.
- Individuals selected for this honor will receive a recognition award and have their names inscribed on the Recognition Wall located on the west wall of the foyer of Griswold Physical Education Center.
- If, in the opinion of the committee, valid reasons are submitted for the removal of an individual's name from the Hall of Fame, such action may be taken by using the same voting procedure.
What is the timeline for the Athletic Hall of Fame and Alumni Awards process?
Nominations are accepted throughout the year for both the Alumni Awards and the Athletic Hall of Fame.
- April 1 – Nominations are due to the Alumni and Development Office each year.
- May – Committees begin their review and selection process.
- May-June – Final recommendations are passed for presidential and board of trustee approval.
- June – Recipients are notified.
- Aug. 1 – Recipients announced.
- October – Alumni Awards Dinner during Homecoming & Family Weekend.
- October – Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Brunch during Homecoming & Weekend.