Nov. 18, 2003
Stony Brook, N.Y. -
Paul Dudzick, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facility Operations, will retire at the end of the fall semester, Director of Athletics Jim Fiore announced today. Dudzick's exemplary career at the university spanned 36 years in which he distinguished himself as an athletic administrator, coach and physical education instructor.
Dudzick served in virtually every facet of Stony Brook athletics in his 36 years at the university. He began his tenure in January of 1968 as Stony Brook's varsity crew coach, a team he guided for 10 years winning numerous 8-oared and 4-oared Metropolitan Championships. In 1982, he was named Assistant Athletic Director and one year later was promoted to Director of Men's Athletics. Dudzick served for eight years as the Director of Men's Athletics, overseeing a program that saw the men's basketball team make seven postseason appearances, including two trips to the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament. He also played a pivotal role in establishing Stony Brook University's first football and men's lacrosse teams. During his eight-year stint as the Director of Men's Athletics, Dudzick also served as the women's cross country coach from 1983-88.
"It's not often one comes into contact with an individual who is as caring and possesses as much integrity as Paul Dudzick. It has been an honor for this University and our department to have him for 36 years" Fiore stated. "His love and passion for the Stony Brook University community and his commitment to its student-athletes will leave an enormous void in our department. The Seawolves family wishes Paul and his wife Lenore all the best as they pursue retirement. We fully expect them to continue to be active members of our family for many years to come."
In 1991, Dudzick assumed the role of Associate Athletic Director for Compliance, a role he held for nine years. In this capacity, he monitored the university's compliance with NCAA rules and regulations, served as the Chairman of the ECAC Eligibility and Infractions Committee and helped guide Stony Brook through its transition from Division III status to the NCAA Division I level. In addition, he was the head coach of the women's tennis team from 1991-94, compiling a 20-3 record during that three-year stretch. Dudzick's .869 winning percentage remains the highest in the history of the women's tennis program. In 2000, he took over as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities Operations, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Stony Brook Indoor Sports Complex.
"To be able to spend an entire working career teaching, coaching and administering intercollegiate athletics, and to serve young people in such constructive ways, must be considered a blessing," said Dudzick. "I will be forever grateful to Stony Brook University for providing me with these opportunities."
Over the last five years, Dudzick has also been an active member of the Providing Athletes With Scholarships (P.A.W.S) campaign. As a dedicated P.A.W.S. team captain he helped raise thousands of dollars for athletic scholarships that helped boost Stony Brook's athletic program to the Division I level. A tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education, Dudzick taught physical education classes throughout his 36-year career at Stony Brook.
Dudzick received his bachelor of arts degree in health, physical education and recreation in 1967 from Syracuse University. He later earned his master's degree in liberal studies from Stony Brook in 1973.
