Colgate Endows Coaching Chair; Krohn Silver Puck Recipient

Long-time Colgate support Stanley Krohn (left) is presented the 2007 Silver Puck Award by Raiders head coach Don Vaughan.

HAMILTON, N.Y. - - Colgate University president Rebecca S. Chopp announced the creation of the Donald F. Vaughan Endowed Coaching Chair for Men's Ice Hockey at the team's annual Silver Puck Banquet at the university's Hall of Presidents. In addition, long-time Colgate hockey supporter and game usher Stanley Krohn was presented with the 2007 Silver Puck Award.

Silver Puck Club president Gerald Quill '60 and Colgate head coach Don Vaughan presented Krohn with the 43rd Silver Puck Award in recognition of 27 years of service to the program, as well as for his service to his country in World War II. Krohn, who will turn 91 on Thursday, has attended every home Colgate men's hockey game since 1980, a streak that includes 406 contests. Since becoming a game usher, Krohn has faithfully manned the area adjacent to the home team bench, helping to control foot traffic of fans in that section of Starr Rink.

Krohn served the United States as a member of the Air Force's 457th Bomb Group's 751st squadron, known as the "Fire Bombers". From August 1942 to October 1945, he flew B-17s, planes known as "Flying Fortresses". Between January and June of 1944 alone, Krohn flew 43 missions in Europe. Krohn and his family settled in neary Sherburne in 1965.

As the evening came to a close, Chopp and William Johnston '73 announced the creation of the Donald F. Vaughan Endowed Coaching Chair for Men's Ice Hockey. The new chair, made possible through the generosity of Johnston and four fellow alumni, will be held by Vaughan, the current head coach. Income from the $2 million endowment will fund essential elements of Colgate's top-tier hockey program, from coaching salaries to recruitment and travel expenses.   Endowed coaching chairs are key priorities within Passion for the Climb: The Campaign for Colgate. They demonstrate the university's commitment to excellence in Division I athletics and underscore its belief that intercollegiate competition provides unique, powerful leadership opportunities for student-athletes.

The Silver Puck celebration began with opening remarks by Quill and Colgate athletics director David Roach. Following the evening's theme of celebrating leadership, Vaughan recognized the 13 Raider captains in attendance by presenting them with game jerseys in the current style with their names and the numbers they wore when they played at Colgate.

Following dinner, Silver Puck board member Robin Jaycox '53 introduced the eight seniors on the current Colgate hockey team and honored their parents, especially their mothers, for their continued support of their sons.

The evening came to a close after the traditional singing of the Colgate Alma Mater, led by members of the freshman class.