It was a busy weekend filled with anticipation as Syracuse welcomed top-ranked Duke University for another historic rival matchup, along with some special pregame activities this time around. The University presented Duke University’s men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski with a framed photo printed on a piece of the former Carrier Dome roof and announced the creation of a new scholarship in Krzyzewski’s name, recognizing his commitment to service and his military service.
The game was the last time that Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski would coach at the stadium against his good friend Coach Jim Boeheim. In honor of this final Syracuse meetup, Boeheim and the University presented “Coach K” with a framed photo printed on a piece of the former Carrier Dome roof and announced the creation of a new scholarship in Krzyzewski’s name, recognizing his commitment to service and his military service. Krzyzewski separated from the military in 1974 as a captain, following his graduation from West Point in 1969.
The Captain Michael William Krzyzewski Award for Leadership and Civic Engagement will now be presented annually to a Syracuse University student veteran, serving military member or a military family member enrolled here, who through their actions and aspirations embodies Krzyzewski’s public and demonstrated commitment to the virtues of honor, empathy and servant-leadership. The Krzyzewski Award honoree will be not only be an exceptional student but also a leader on the campus and in the community.
“The honor they bestowed on me today was absolutely amazing,” Krzyzewski said. “Wow. So, thank you, thank you. Very, very much appreciated.”
An annual gift from Jim Lee ’75 and his wife Lou Ann Lee has made The Captain Michael William Krzyzewski Award for Leadership and Civic Engagement possible. Jim graduated with a math degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and a degree in math education from the School of Education. Jim served as co-captain of the Syracuse University men’s basketball 1975 Final Four team, received Syracuse University’s Vic Hanson Medal of Excellence Award, served as a member of Syracuse University’s All Century Basketball Team and received the Syracuse University Letter Winner of Distinction Award. Jim currently serves on the Advisory Board of Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), which supports, assists and empowers veteran and military-connected students and employees and serves as the University’s point of entry for all veteran and military-related programs and initiatives.
“As a former Syracuse University men’s basketball player and now a season ticket holder, it is my pleasure to step up and honor Coach K for his service in the United States Army,” says Jim. “Since my father Harold Lee, a United States Coast Guard veteran, passed away, I’ve made it a personal mission of mine to support veterans and military-connected students through my support of the University and my role on the OVMA Advisory Board.”