Perkins Honored by USC-Aiken

Jan. 7, 2007

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The University of South Carolina-Aiken Saturday announced that it would honor <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>University of Kansas Athletics Director Lew Perkins in its soon-to-be-built convocation center.

<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

The multi-purpose building will include the Lew Perkins Wall of Champions in its Hall of Athletics.

Perkins served as Director of Athletics at USC-Aiken from 1969 to 1980, as the institution grew from a junior college to a four-year institution. He also served as head basketball coach there from 1969-1979. He is credited with building the foundation for athletics at USC Aiken, and was honored by the campus in 2003 as a “Pacer Pioneer” for his efforts to develop athletics programs and support student-athletes.

In 2005, USC-Aiken awarded Perkins an honorary Doctor of Education degree “for his achievements in intercollegiate athletics; for the crucial role he played in the early development of the University of South Carolina Aiken campus; and for his personal commitment to upholding high standards and ethical principles in all aspects of his life.” He also delivered the commencement address that May, urging graduates not to fear failure. “Don’t worry about failure,” he said. “Worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.”

Perkins has served as the Director of Athletics at Kansas since 2003 and has overseen a successful expansion of the athletics department, including the construction of a new football facility and the Booth Family Hall of Athletics. He also received the National Invitation Tournament’s Man of the Year award in March of 2005 and the 2000 National Athletic Director of the Year Award, while at the University of Connecticut. Perkins also has served as athletics director at the University of Maryland and WichitaStateUniversity, and associate director of athletics at the University of Pennsylvania.