Purdue News

September 20, 2002 Black Alumni Organization to honor Leroy Keyes WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's Black Alumni Organization (PBAO) will honor Purdue football legend Leroy Keyes with a plaque identifying him as the "Greatest player in the first 100 years of Purdue football." This distinction was given to Keyes by a nationwide vote among Purdue Alumni Association members. The plaque, which will hang in the Black Cultural Center, will be presented to Keyes during a ceremony at the BCC from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27. Event coordinator Fred Williams, who serves as director of student support services at Purdue University Calumet, said his organization is excited and looking forward to honoring Keyes. "It was overdue that we do something special for him, not just for his accomplishments on the football field, but his contributions to student-athletes, the athletic department and the university," Williams said. "He's been a positive influence and source of inspiration to former and present members of the Purdue community." Viveca Fairbanks-Henderson, PBAO president, will present the plaque along with Williams; Renee Thomas, Black Cultural Center director; Timothy Phillips, PBAO Homecoming chairman; and Roger Blalock, associate athletic director. Other PBAO Homecoming related events include a Spirit Dance sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at the Radisson Inn in Lafayette from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and a Black & Gold Dance at the Radisson Inn from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. As many as 100 African-American alumni from throughout the United States are expected to attend the events. CONTACT: Fred Williams, (219) 989-2453, willamf@calumet.purdue.edu NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: The media are welcome to cover the plaque presentation. Contact the Black Cultural Center at (765) 494-3092 to make arrangements. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page