Feb. 25, 2004

CLEVELAND - In just 20 months, the drive to create an endowed basketball scholarship in the name of Danferd C. Avis has come full circle. The campaign, which was kicked off on June 1, 2002, recently reached its initial goal when the last of the $250,000 needed to fully endow the first men's basketball scholarship in school history was committed.

"The quick completion of the initial goal of the Avis Scholarship is a testament to the accomplishments of Dan Avis during his half century of service to the City of Cleveland and CSU Athletics," CSU Director of Athletics Lee Reed said. "Dan's many volunteer projects over the years have allowed him to touch the lives of many people in the Cleveland area, the university community and our athletic family. Those people stepped up and helped make this scholarship a reality."

Avis, a member of the men's basketball team as an undergraduate from 1947-50, has been involved in Viking athletics for over 50 years. His many contributions to the university include serving as the president of the CSU Alumni Association, working as a trustee to the Cleveland Foundation's Fenn Fund and two terms as executive director of the Varsity "C" Club.

A four-year letterman in basketball at Fenn College from 1946-50, Avis served as team captain in each of his final three years. He graduated in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in marketing. He was inducted into the Cleveland State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980 and in 1991, he was the first recipient of the CSU Distinguished Alumni Award for service to the university.

For information on contributing to the Danferd C. Avis Endowed Basketball Scholarship fund, please contact Chris Sedlock at (216) 687-5235.