By Sean Phifer ('10)

Symposium Weekend events came to an end with the annual banquet on Saturday night. It was a program that celebrated Ohio Sports Administration’s past, present, and future.

David Johnston (’98) capped his celebratory weekend with a moving speech that officially honored him as the newest Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alum. He thanked his family and friends for helping him get the prestigious awards. Johnston, who traveled to Athens with his wife and three daughters, gave the event a true family feel with his emphasis on honoring those closest to him. Johnston concluded his address with a commencement piece for the exiting Class of 2010 that encouraged the students to take risks and give back to the program.

The banquet was also the time when the annual awards were given to the outgoing class. The Class of 2010 selected Ryan Holmes (’10) for the Lavery Award, as he exhibited leadership by going the extra mile for the program. Christina Wright (’10) won the James G. Mason Sports Ad & Facility Management Award voted on by the Faculty. Kyle Daugherty (’10) was chosen for the Thackrey Award, given by his peers for his long-standing relationship to community service. Finally, Taylor Wood (’10) and Rob Norris (’10) were awarded with the John W. Foley Scholarship and Monty Woods Scholarship, respectively.

The banquet included the announcement of AECOM/Ellerbe Becket’s renewal of its program partnership and the welcoming of new partner Thermopylae Sciences and Technology. Brett Fuller and Mike Fisher (’97) were present to make the announcement for the respective companies.