Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Paul Lowden was recognized as this year’s Tyrus R. Wessell Award winner on Thursday at DavenFest.

Considered Davenport’s most prestigious honor, the Tyrus R. Wessell Award recognizes exemplary commitment to the University’s Cultural Values as well as contributions positively impacting the DU community, especially our students. Recipients of this award reflect the values and service demonstrated by Tyrus R. Wessell, longtime faculty member and university administrator.

Lowden was recognized for re-starting Athletics from scratch with two programs approximately 15 years ago with no facilities on campus. Teams have grown to over 30 programs and over 800 student-athletes. His planning, organization, supervision and support has led to dozens of national championships and conference championship through the years.

Accountable for the more 800 student-athletes, Lowden is a trusted leader at Davenport.

“He always refers to our students as student-athletes, in that order,” a colleague said. “He was instrumental in getting the study table program started and now our student-athletes have a cumulative GPA of 3.3.”

Another colleague echoes his positive attitude.

“He is always willing to be a supportive partner in making sure students start, stay and succeed,” the colleague said. “Whether it is chatting with a student-athlete in his office, attending a big game or giving a simple congrats, he always puts our student-athletes first.”