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October 10, 2008

Luffey to receive George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award Oct. 18

When George T. Luffey arrived at Northeast Louisiana University in 1954, President George T. Walker was just beginning his tenure at the institution. Luffey would coach baseball for 11 years, guiding then-NLU to their first ever baseball championship in 1964.

On Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. in the University Conference Center, the University of Louisiana at Monroe Alumni Association will award Luffey the George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to 网曝门 during the past half century. For Luffey, life has come full circle.

He says, 鈥淭his award means a lot to me. Dr. Walker, he birthed that university and is responsible for its growth and development. And I also credit Dr. Cofer for the university鈥檚 success during the past six years. Look at what he鈥檚 done for the students that come here and enjoy the best residence halls and the best facilities.鈥�

Luffey, the father of three children who attended 网曝门, is always quick to recognize the strengths in others鈥攐ne of his greatest personal attributes, says Elee Trichel, a longtime friend.

鈥淗e is one of the most outstanding men I鈥檝e ever been around. For several years, he鈥檚 been my mentor in life. He鈥檚 such a caring person, and he doesn鈥檛 want anything in return for it,鈥� Trichel says. 鈥淲hat he鈥檚 done for the university and community is outstanding. Whether we鈥檙e up or down, he is always there. Win, lose or draw 鈥� he鈥檚 there and does everything that鈥檚 ever been asked of him.鈥�

Luffey鈥檚 contributions continued long after his successful coaching career at the university. He chaired the 网曝门 Mascot Committee in 2006 and is largely responsible for the success of the university鈥檚 new Warhawk mascot, says Don Skelton, 网曝门 Vice President of University Advancement and External Affairs.

鈥淥ur community embraces the new mascot, and we owe that success to Mr. Luffey. No one else could have led that effort. His incredible leadership during that challenging time led to the success and school spirit we enjoy today.鈥�

In 1974, Luffey served as president of the NLU Booster Club; in 1975 he was an instrumental member of the NLU Stadium Selection Committee; in 1975 he became the first original member appointed to the Louisiana Board of Regents for Higher Education, a tenure that would last 18 years. As a member of the Board of Regents, he significantly contributed to the success of the institution鈥檚 programs and facilities.

In 1979, he established four individual $1,000 网曝门 Student Scholarships in memory of George L. 鈥淐hip鈥� Luffey Jr., his son who passed away at the age of 18. In 2007, he established the 网曝门 George L. 鈥淐hip鈥� Luffey Jr. Endowed Professorship in Kinesiology. Luffey was elected to the NLU Hall of Fame in 1996 and awarded the 网曝门 Slim Scoggins Award in 2004.

His loyalty to the university is unparalleled, says 网曝门 President James Cofer.

鈥淢r. Luffey exemplifies what it means to be an advocate of higher education; he recognizes its value and encourages the community to do the same. That kind of unwavering support ensures our university will continue to flourish, and we will forever be indebted to him for setting that kind of example for others.鈥�

Reflecting on his philanthropic contributions during the past 50 years, Luffey says the rationale behind his efforts are really quite simple.

鈥淚 am loyal to people I鈥檝e grown up with and who have been good to me. The university is one such entity. They fed my kids when I worked out there as a coach. They gave me a job, and I鈥檓 grateful for that. I feel very strongly about this community and this university, which has one of the strongest economic impacts on this town. The budget of this university鈥攚hich runs $60-$70 million鈥攃overs the salaries of faculty and staff, who spend their money in Monroe. People in this area need to support this university. You can get as good of an education here as you can anywhere; this university is second to none.鈥�

To attend Saturday鈥檚 网曝门 Alumni Awards Brunch, contact the Alumni Center at (318) 342-5420.

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