Dick Enberg, long-time spokesperson for the CoSIDA Academic All-America® program, has agreed to serve as the master of ceremonies for the 2005 CoSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame induction program July 6 at the sponsoring organization’s annual workshop, according to CoSIDA President Rod Commons.
“CoSIDA originally planned to hold the induction program Saturday evening at the Philadelphia Marriott, but when Dick Enberg’s schedule allowed him to be in Philadelphia at the end of our workshop, the CoSIDA officers agreed to hold the program July 6,” Commons said.
Enberg, who annually calls tennis action from England’s Wimbledon Championships in late June and early July, indicated his commitment to Wimbledon concludes Monday and he would return home via Philadelphia so he could continue his long-standing relationship with the CoSIDA event.
“Dick has championed CoSIDA’s prestigious academic program for more than 20 years and we are delighted he is willing to adjust his scheduled return home to once again keynote the Academic Hall of Fame program,” Commons said
Enberg began serving as spokesperson for CoSIDA Academic All-America program in 1985. He is the only person to win national Emmy Awards as a sportscaster (four times), writer (five times) and producer (once).
In recent years the CoSIDA Workshop has included a special awards dinner Wednesday evening, the final day of the four-day gathering. This year the awards, normally presented Wednesday evening, have been incorporated in noon luncheons Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
“The officers believe the drawing power of the induction program and having Dick Enberg serve as master of ceremonies will result in a large turnout Wednesday evening,” according to Commons.
In addition to the induction of new members into the CoSIDA Academic Hall of Fame, the Dick Enberg Award will be presented. Enberg was the first winner of the award in 1997.
The Enberg Award is given annually to a person whose actions and commitment have furthered the meaning and reach of the Academic All-America Teams Program and/or the student-athlete, while promoting the values of education and academics. The award was created in part to recognize Dick Enberg's passion and support of the Academic All-America program for more than 20 years and more importantly, his dedication to education for more than four decades.
This year’s CoSIDA Workshop registration fee includes continental breakfasts and awards luncheons Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and the CoSIDA Academic Hall of Fame reception Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. prior to the induction program.