College Sports Information Directors of America

Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to individuals who have served at least 25 years in the athletics communications profession (as of July 2025) who are retiring or leaving the profession. Years of service vetted by the Special Awards Committee. 

John Paquette — Big East Conference Senior Associate Commissioner, Sports Media Relations

The voice of the Big East Conference.

Since 1990, John Paquette has served as the unwavering voice of the Big East Conference through its numerous phases, transitions and restructurings. He serves as the media coordinator for 23 conference tournaments, administering at times to more than 600 on-site media representatives annually at Madison Square Garden for the annual BIG EAST men's basketball tournament.

In March of 2025, the league announced that Paquette will retire at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year.

Paquette served as CSC President in 2023-24. Previously, he had served on CSC’s board of directors from 2009-12. Paquette has attended more than 30 CSC conventions and served on numerous panels as a presenter and moderator over the years.

He has been honored three times before by CSC. He was recognized as the 2007 Arch Ward winner for outstanding service to the profession, again in 2014 with the Bill Esposito Backbone Award and in 2019 with a CSC Hall of Fame induction. The Esposito Award is presented to an individual for sound judgment, commitment and courage in helping guide an organization through difficult PR situations.

Paquette began his career as the sports information director at Wagner College before serving as SID at St. Peter’s (NJ), then as Assistant Commissioner of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and then as Assistant Athletic Director/SID at Seton Hall. Paquette joined the BIG EAST in 1990 as Mike Tranghese's first hire as commissioner, coming to the conference office as its top communications director after serving four years at league member Seton Hall.

Among other honors, Paquette received the 2009 Katha Quinn Award from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association and the 2013 Distinguished Service Award by the New York Metropolitan Basketball Writers.

He graduated from Marquette University in 1978 with a bachelor of arts in journalism.

Val Ackerman, BIG EAST Conference Commissioner, CSC Academic All-America® Hall of Famer (1999) and two-time Academic All-American (1980, 1981): "The BIG EAST is eternally grateful to John for his 35 years of dedicated service to our conference and his countless contributions to the college sports world. His knowledge about college basketball in particular and the extraordinary relationships he’s developed with media members across the country are unrivaled, and John will leave behind many friends and admirers as he begins his next chapter."

Bill Raftery, college basketball analyst and former college men’s basketball coach, CSC Jake Wade Award (2024): "John Paquette has contributed immeasurably to the growth of the BIG EAST and its recognition as a viable component in the NCAA basketball hierarchy. I have known John since the 1980’s and during the ensuing years his commitment to provide assistance to his employer, as well as servicing those who are reporting about his school or the BIG EAST, has been extraordinary. No request is too difficult. Each individual is dealt with with respect and decency. I was delighted to learn of this honor. You have chosen a gentleman of great humility who consistently represented his school, administrators, conference and athletes foremost in his daily work."

Kevin Trainor, University of Arkansas Senior Associate AD for Public Relations, CSC President (2024-25), CSC 25-Year Award (2020): "If someone asked me about a masterclass for sports communicators, I would simply tell them to emulate John Paquette. He is a talented writer and communicator, but most of all he understands the intrinsic value of relationships. Like so many others he has positively influenced my life and my career. I am honored to call him a colleague and a friend."

Paquette on his career…
"I’ve been so fortunate to have spent my entire professional career in college athletics. Whether it’s been in the trenches with co-workers, developing relationships with people outside of my circle or working with the media, I have loved it all.
 
Have there been some times that have been better than others? Of course. But I never wanted to trade places with anyone outside of sports communications. I’ve been able to see so many places, so many great games and so many venues. 

But it’s the personal relationships that I’ve been able to make that are so lasting. We all get to see exciting games – and I have seen more than my share – but it’s the people you meet along the way, That is what stands out. Thanks to all."