FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2023
Contact: Matthew Bush, mbush@dillard.edu
504.816.4752
Recipients of the Rachel W. Mercadel Spirit of Commitment, Legacy and Bleu Flame awards also named
NEW ORLEANS—The Dillard University Department of Athletics has announced its 2022-2023 Hall of Fame class. The ceremony to officially induct the class will take place 6 p.m., May 10, 2023 in Georges Auditorium in the Professional Schools and Sciences Building followed by a reception and the Billy Ray Hobley Scholarship Banquet in Lucien Pavilion. The Hall of Fame class and other honorees were selected based on their high character and their accomplishments as trailblazers.
The following will be inducted at the May 10 event:
LaBaron Kennedy ‘62, Football
Carl McCollum ‘62, Basketball
John O. Brown, Head Basketball Coach
James Branche ‘73, Tennis
Joseph Coleman ‘86, Basketball
Ellis Varnado ‘73, Track
Alvin Turner ‘60, Basketball
Keisha Smoke ‘10, Volleyball
Danta Lewis ‘11, Volleyball
William Sherron ‘61, Basketball
“I am excited to welcome my first Hall of Fame class as the director of athletics here at Dillard University,” said Dr. Linda Bell, Dillard’s athletics director. “It is a wonderful opportunity to learn and honor the individuals who have got our program to the state it’s in today. I believe all the individuals left Dillard Athletics better than they found it and we’re very grateful for their contributions.”
The following are recipients of the Rachel W. Mercadel Spirit of Commitment Award: Cynthia Butler-McIntyre ‘76, Trudi Haney-Dyer ‘75, Charity Hill ‘74, Charmine Prevost ‘78, Earlean Smiley ‘74, Valda La Stewart-William ‘79, Dianne Taylor ‘00, and Brenda Thornton ‘66.
The recipients of the Legacy Award are Darryl Kilbert ‘78 and Eric Waters ‘69; and the recipient of the Blue Flame Award is Ed Robinson, Owner of L & R Security Company. For more information, contact assistant athletic director, Matthew Bush, at 504-816-4752 or mbush@dillard.edu.
About Dillard University
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.
