NSU Horizons Fall 2007

horizons 33 By Bob Prior Athletic Hall of Fame Enshrined During Gala T he University Center served as the backdrop for the inaugu- ral Athletic Hall of Fame Gala. The invitation-only event featured the induction of three former student-athletes and two former administrators into the hall of fame. Former NSU student-athletes Shannon Sawyer (softball); Teofilo Cubillas, Jr. (soccer); and David Riley (basketball) joined Abraham S. Fischler, NSU president emeritus, and Charles “Sonny” Hansley, former NSU athletic director and head coach, in the inaugural class of 2007. Tony Segreto, NBC 6 news anchor, was the master of ceremonies at the event, which drew over 200 attendees. The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour in the club room overlooking the UC Arena basketball/ volleyball court. Dinner followed on the north auxiliary court, after a special video tribute to the inductees from Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D., NSU president, and a welcome from George Hanbury II, Ph.D., NSU executive vice president and chief operating officer. Michael Mominey, NSU director of athletics, bestowed each inductee with a Hall of Fame jacket, ring, and plaque to commemorate their enshrinement. Hansley was presented by his daughter, Michelle, and son, Kenny. Cubillas was pre- sented by Giuseppe DePalo, NSU men’s soccer coach. Fischler was presented by his son, Bruce, while Sawyer and Riley were both presented by Mark Cavanaugh, NSU associate professor of social and behavioral sciences and faculty athletic representative. The evening’s festivities also featured the unveiling of the Athletic Hall of Fame Wall in the atrium of the University Center’s main entrance. The Athletic Hall of Fame wall honors the current Hall of Fame Class, as well as each of NSU’s all-time team sport championships and all-time award winners, including All-Americans and Conference Players of the Year. The NSU Athletic Hall of Fame was established as part of the 25th anniversary of the creation of the university’s first athletic program in men’s basketball. n Bob Prior is Associate Director of Athletics Communications and External Operations. (L–R) David Riley; Charles Hansley; Abraham Fischler, Ed.D.; Shannon Sawyer; and Teofilo Cubillas, Jr.