Please join me in extending sincere appreciation to Lee McElroy, associate vice president and director of athletics, who is retiring effective June 30, 2023.

Lee has led Rensselaer Athletics since 2015, after serving for 14 years as vice president and director of athletics at the University at Albany. During this time he was appointed to the NCAA Management Council and elected president of the National Association of College Athletic Directors (NACDA); won three America East Commissioner’s Cups in 2007, 2013, and 2014; earned 32 NCAA post-season berths; won 63 America East conference titles; was named to the National Association of College Athletics Directors Hall of Fame in 2012; served as President of the American East Board of Directors 2007 and 2011; served on the Board of Directors of the United Way; served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the United States Sports Academy; and served as a Trustee for the College of Saint Rose.

In addition, he served as chair of the Liberty League Council of Athletics Directors 2020-2022 and currently serves on the board of directors of the National Association of College Athletics Directors (NACDA).

Lee was honored with LifePath’s Third Age Achievement Award in April 2022. The award is designed to pay tribute to members of the Capital Region who make significant contributions to the community after turning 60.

At Rensselaer, he has overseen the Institute’s 12 men’s and 11 women’s NCAA intercollegiate teams (21 Division III, 2 Division I) involving nearly 600 student-athletes, as well as the intramurals program, which engages over 2,000 students.

And it has been another great year for our athletes. The Engineers brought home the Dutchman Shoes Trophy, and nine of our football players were inducted into the National Football Foundation Honor Society. Men’s hockey won the Big Red Freakout game, women’s hockey brought home the Mayor’s Cup, and the men’s tennis and golf teams each won their Liberty League championships, advancing to the 2023 NCAA post-season. Also, 70% of our spring teams — men’s track and field, men’s tennis, softball, men’s lacrosse, golf, and women’s tennis — are nationally ranked.

So, let us all thank Lee for his leadership in creating a robust, successful, team-oriented Department of Athletics. We extend to Lee and his family best wishes in retirement.