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Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to individuals who have served at least 25 years in the athletics communications profession (as of July 2023) who are retiring or leaving the profession.
Years of service vetted by the Special Awards Committee.
Gene McGivern – University of St. Thomas Sports Information Director (retired)
Gene McGivern retired from his position as sports information director at the University of St. Thomas in August 2023, closing a 30-year career at the school. He became the first SID in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) to work more than 30 years in the conference.
Early in his career, McGivern served as the editor of the Ames Daily Tribune from 1982-88 before becoming the head cross country coach and sports information director at Augsburg College in 1988. In taking that role, which he held until 1994, he became the first ever SID in the history of Augsburg athletics.
He then began his career at the University of St. Thomas in 1994, and over the next 30-years he saw 102 total Tommie student-athletes earned Academic All-America® honors.
McGivern covered seven team national championship seasons during his tenure, covered two Stagg Bowl appearances by Tommie football (2012; 2015) and served as primary media contact for Tommie/Johnnie Football games at Target Field and Allianz Field. He also started and built the Tommies first athletics website (tommiesports.com).
In 2016, McGivern received the Sid Hartman Media Award , given annually to a member of the Minnesota media by the National Football Foundation. He is the only sports information director to ever be honored with the award.
In 2021, he was the recipient of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's (MIAC) Mike Augustin Award which recognizes outstanding contributions to MIAC athletic programs and their student-athletes by members of the media or athletic communications.
McGivern was a four-time CSC Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest "Best in Nation" award winner and a nine-time "Best in District" winner.
An all-state runner at Assumption High School in Davenport, Iowa, he was the state champion as a senior and was recruited by Iowa State where he became a member of the Cyclones team that finished 10th at NCAA nationals in 1980.
Gallery: (6-7-2024) Gene McGivern, Lifetime Achievement
Phil Esten, University of St. Thomas Vice President & Director of Intercollegiate Athletics: "When I think of Gene McGivern's time with St. Thomas athletics, two words come to mind: legacy and reputation. Gene established a legacy as a consummate, professional storyteller on behalf of our student-athletes, coaches and staff and did his work with dignity and pride. He is highly regarded in the profession for his work ethic and ability to paint a picture with his words, respected by his colleagues, and we cannot thank him enough for his 27 years of service to this athletic department."
Mike Gallagher, University of St. Thomas Assistant Athletic Director for Branding, Creative Content and Production: "Gene is an encyclopedic force of knowledge on any, and every, thing he has ever covered. Even in retirement, those that are lucky enough to still have him on board for a project marvel at his ability to pull out the storyline of a game from 20 years ago, the final score from a seemingly pedestrian midseason Olympic sport matchup, or the stats of a bench player from their four-year tenure with a program.
While those are all incredible feats of longevity and intelligence, I'll always remember Gene for everything else - his unmatched work ethic, his wisdom and perspective, his graciousness with his time no matter who you were or what you needed - he balanced incredibly the gargantuan amount of responsibilities that overfilled his plate with the human side of a job that can often be isolating and overwhelming. That achievement itself is worthy of an award, but throw in all of his tangible accomplishments in his time in this profession and it would take almost anyone else more than a few lifetimes to achieve what Gene has."
Jim Cella, Concordia College-Moorhead Sports Information Director: "Gene’s true strength is found in his commitment and caring for the thousands of student-athletes and coaches he helped during his time at St. Thomas. His ability to connect with people and see the excellence beyond the playing field always stood out above his other characteristics."
Don Stoner, Augsburg University Sports Information Director: "Gene is a legend in college athletics in the Twin Cities and Minnesota. He has been a great mentor to so many of us in athletic communications, and I've lost count of the times I've had to reach out to him for advice, knowledge and support. He helped me get into collegiate athletics nearly three decades ago, and provided me with the perfect roadmap in which to establish myself as an athletic communicator. But more than anything, Gene has always been a kind and generous friend, always willing to lend an ear, share a story, or give some advice. Best of luck to Gene and Barb as they venture into the next chapter of their lives!"
McGivern on being a St. Thomas family:
For me, St. Thomas was a family experience is many ways. My wife Barb is a St. Thomas alum and all three of our children -- Bridget, George and Peter -- are graduates or a current student, and all three competed in cross country and/or track and field with the Tommies. There are special memories my kids have growing up of playing wiffle ball in the old OSH gym or jumping on the indoor high jump mats in the old fieldhouse.
His perspective on his career…
Looking back on my career, I recall that all the projects, and meetings and stories and nominations and story pitches were necessary and important in the moment. But my most gratifying takeaway of a 35-year SID career and a 45-year run in journalism and public relations are the many great relationships and friendships I was able to forge. I worked with so many sharp coaches, administrators, student-athletes, media members as well as colleagues at other institutions. You never regret treating people well, bringing positive energy, being a good team player.
Advice for future athletic communicators:
I can’t offer a lot of technical advice to young people in this profession, as most could educate me on what’s relevant. I would just urge them to come to work with a smile, be a team player, treat people well, stay positive. Go the extra mile when needed and be a good ambassador for your school and department. And enjoy your opportunity to work on a university campus around all that positive energy, around so many talented people trying to improve their lives and make their mark in the world.
