Posthumous Award

A dedicated advocate for student life, Dr. Ronald M. Brown was instrumental in advancing RecSports’ mission during his tenure as the University's Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Brown played a key role in the construction of the Recreational Sports Center. When the idea of a student-funded, on-campus recreation center was first proposed, he helped move the project forward by securing approvals for a facility needs assessment, a student survey, and the necessary funding legislation. The Recreational Sports Center opened in 1990, becoming one of the first student-funded recreation centers on a college campus. In 1988, Dr. Brown hired Tom Dison as director of Recreational Sports, a position Dison held until his retirement in 2022.

Luke Dunn has played an integral role in advancing RecSports’ development initiatives in his role as Associate General Manager at Longhorn Sports Properties. He has served as a vital liaison, facilitating strategic partnerships and brand activations that align corporate sponsors with student-focused initiatives. Luke's connection to RecSports began as an undergraduate student at the University. He was part of the inaugural team of Recreational Sports Center Building Coordinators when the facility first opened in 1990. As Building Coordinator, he helped lead and train student staff responsible for the facility's daily operations.

Chuck Emerson is the President of Emerson Construction, the general contractor for both the Gregory Gym renovation and the construction of the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex. In this role, Chuck worked closely with The University of Texas System and RecSports to ensure both facilities met the highest standards of quality and functionality for the campus community. His commitment to excellence helped both projects earn industry construction awards and NIRSA Outstanding Facility designations. Today, these facilities continue to serve thousands of students each year.

A renowned chemist, Dr. Larry Faulkner served as the University's 27th President from 1998 to 2006. During his tenure, he convened the Commission of 125, a group of citizens who worked for two years to create a long-term vision for the University. He also led "We're Texas," the largest capital campaign at the time, raising more than $1.6 billion. Dr. Faulkner played a major role in securing approvals for the construction of the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex, which opened in 2005.

Patrick Findlay led the student committee that secured the student body's support for the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex referendum. The committee canvassed the campus, connecting with student organizations to educate them about the project, its cost, and benefits. Thanks to the committee's efforts, the referendum passed by a wide margin, paving the way for the construction of the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex, which opened in 2005. Patrick currently serves as a senior executive in the FBI. 

Described by Intramural Sports Director Sonny Rooker as “the only intramural athlete I’ve seen who I think could play varsity in three sports—football, basketball, and baseball,” Dean Greenwood was a dominant force in Intramural Sports during the mid-1960s to early 1970s as a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Dean is one of just four individuals to earn All-Intramural Team honors in four sports (football, softball, basketball, and volleyball) within a single academic year. 

He served four years in the US Army, including a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. After leaving the service, he started law school at UT and continued his intramural career playing flag football with the renowned Legal Eagles.

Brian Haley served as the Student Government President during the 2003–04 academic year and was appointed the first Student Regent on The University of Texas System Board of Regents in 2006. While on campus, Brian was active in the Texas Union, Liberal Arts Council, Texas Cowboys, and the Friar Society. He was also a strong supporter of RecSports and played a key role in the final stages of planning that led to breaking ground on the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex. Brian is the Co-Founder of CB Capital, an investment firm focused on developing and acquiring real estate assets across Texas. 

Allison Hansen Van Leeuwen was a dedicated graduate assistant and full-time staff member at RecSports. Her work spanned student programming, event coordination, and facility operations, including contributions to initiatives like Party on the Plaza and the Climbing Wall Feasibility Work Team. As the department’s first Aquatics Director, Allison played a central role in the development of the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex—overseeing construction elements, creating facility policies, and hiring lifeguards. Her commitment to excellence helped establish the operational foundation still in use today.

Annie Holand Miller served as Student Government president during the 1998–99 academic year. A strong advocate for student wellness, she championed the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex referendum, working across campus constituencies to support the project. After earning her undergraduate degree, Annie worked in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, focusing on RecSports development initiatives. She also led efforts to host the first Party on the Plaza, now a 26-year back-to-school tradition. As an alumna, she remains involved with RecSports as a member of the department's Leadership Team. Annie currently serves as Chief Business and Operations Manager of Holand Investments, LTD, her family’s firm, managing real estate, oil and gas, and other investments in the Rio Grande Valley.

Milam Newby served on the ad hoc committee that developed the initial design concepts for the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex. Milam traveled the country with administrators and fellow student leaders, touring various university aquatic facilities and resort-style pools. The critical elements that make up the Aquatic Complex today were born from these visits. He also served as the inaugural chair of Party on the Plaza, now a 26-year RecSports back-to-school event. Milam is a Partner at Vinson and Elkins and is the Head of the firm's Technology practice. 

Founded in 1979 on the pillars of scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability, Texas Wranglers has been a driving force in campus life on the Forty Acres. Known for their excellence in intramural sports and student leadership, this outstanding spirit group is featured on the Intramural Wall of Fame 50 times for their numerous intramural accomplishments since 1986. 

This inaugural team of student employees helped launch and define aquatic safety and service at the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex. These individuals set the standard for lifeguarding, emergency response, and customer service when the facility opened in 2005. 

This inaugural team of student employees was entrusted with daily operations at the newly opened Recreational Sports Center in 1990. They helped to establish the operational foundation and culture that continues to define the role for student employees responsible for building operations at all RecSports facilities.