HALL OF FAME 2004

DR. STUART RYDER

Dr. Stuart Ryder came to Judson in 1969 as Professor of Communication Arts. His residence on campus for 20 years provided him an opportunity to participate in virtually all student co-curricular activities, earning the nickname "Doc". His particular identification with Judson athletics began in 1972 with an interest in cross-country; and in 1976 he began six years as coach of that team. In later years he has been privileged to serve 15 years as men's athletic trainer, as eligibility chair, and, since his formal retirement from the faculty in 2002, as the first academics/athletics liaison. As liaison, he meets with student athletes who need encouragement or guidance in their progress toward graduation, interprets Judson College and NAIA guidelines for eligibility, and helps answer faculty concerns about individual athletes or the athletics program. In these roles he has made many valued friendships with athletes and coaches that have extended over many years.