HOF26

General MSU Athletics Communications

Varsity "M" Club, Inc. Announces 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Class

BALTIMORE, Md. (June 19, 2026) — Morgan State University is pleased to announce its 2026 induction class into the Varsity "M" Letterwinners Club Athletic Hall of Fame. This year's class comprises nine (9) exceptional individuals and two historically significant teams, each representing a chapter of dedication, perseverance, and unparalleled talent. These athletes and teams have etched their names into the annals of Morgan State history. They will soon join the ranks of legendary athletes who have left a legacy upon the hallowed grounds of Morgan State.

The Varsity "M" Letterwinners Club Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be enshrined during an awards banquet on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Morgan State Student Center in Baltimore, MD.

MSU's Class of 2026 is headlined by a cast of decorated athletes who epitomize Morgan's athletic excellence: Nyree Moore (Volleyball & Track and Field, 1997–2000), Ashley Horn-Vines (Women's Track & Field, 2001–2005), Mark Durden (Football, 1973–1976), Willie Lighty (Football, 1975-1976), Dwight P. Joseph (Men's Track and Field ( 1996 - 1999), DeWayne Jackson; Men's Basketball ( 2009-2013), Lee Ann Lewis-Holmes (Women's Bowling, 2001 -2003), Jason McCoy (Men's Basketball,1987-1991), Kevin D. Thompson, Jr. (Men's Basketball (2008 - 2012). Click here for more information about the inductees.

The Hall of Fame Committee has also announced that the Earl Banks' Coaching era (1960-1973) and the 1994 Men's Indoor MEAC Championship Team will be honored with the Team of Distinction Award. This prestigious award recognizes teams that have made significant contributions to their sport and have achieved sustained excellence over the years.
 
The Earl Banks coaching era saw his 1965-68 teams win 31 straight, the seventh-longest winning streak in college football history. He also had three unbeaten regular seasons, five CIAA conference championships, and led the Bears to four bowl games. He was the CIAA Coach of the Year in 1962, 1965, and 1966. Two former players during the Banks era,  Leroy Kelly (Class of 1964) – Running Back, Cleveland Browns (Inducted in 1994), and Willie Lanier (Class of 1967) – Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs (Inducted in 1986), both went to the NFL and also earned their spot in the NFL Hall of Fame. 
 
The 1994 Morgan State Men's Indoor Track & Field Team secured its place in program history by capturing the first indoor conference championship in school history. Under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach Neville G. Hodge Sr., along with assistant coaches Shaun Hester, Patrick Bailey, and Jessica Hudson, the Bears delivered a championship performance that set a new standard of excellence for the program. Competing against eight conference opponents, the Bears rose to the occasion, finished first overall, and claimed the 1994 conference indoor title, becoming the first men's indoor track and field team in Morgan State history to earn a championship.

The Varsity "M" Letterwinners Club will also bestow three additional prestigious awards recognizing distinguished service, leadership, and commitment to Morgan State University.

Haley McClure will receive the Hurt-Hill-Banks Award. A distinguished graduate of Morgan State University and former member of the Hall of Fame Committee for five years, she is also a member of the Varsity 'M' Lettermen's Club Executive Team.  McClure earned her degree with honors from the Earl G. Graves School of Business in 2017. She later continued her academic journey at South Texas College of Law Houston, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2022.

Arthuro V. Lawson and Jacqueline L. Lawson will be honored with the Civic Award. Affectionately known as the "Dynamite Duo," the Lawsons are proud Morgan alumni whose unwavering commitment to service, philanthropy, and student success has made a lasting impact on their alma mater. Art earned his Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies in 1974, while Jackie earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1975. Both are lifetime members of Morgan State University and have dedicated countless hours to advancing the institution they proudly call The National Treasure.

Craig Williams will be presented with the Distinguished Varsity "M" Letterwinners Club Service Award in recognition of his tireless support of Morgan State Athletics for nearly two decades. Affectionately known across campus as "Mr. LET ME AT EM," Williams has become Morgan State's unofficial—and widely recognized—Hype Man, energizing fans, uplifting student-athletes, and helping create an atmosphere that reflects the pride, passion, and tradition of Morgan State Athletics.

Ticket information will be found on the Morgan State University Varsity M Letterwinners Club Website:  https://msuvarsitymletterwinnersclub.wildapricot.org
 
Adult tickets (13 and up) $135.00
Children 6-12 $85.00
Children 5 and under are comped. 
Tickets will go on sale as early as July 6th.

The Hall of Fame class will also be recognized at the Morgan State vs. Howard University football game on Saturday, October 24th, 2026.

The Morgan State University Varsity "M" Letterwinners Club, Athletic Hall of Fame was founded in 1971 to recognize and honor former student-athletes, coaches, and administrators who have made extraordinary contributions to the athletic program at Morgan State University during their tenure at the institution.

If you have any questions about ticket purchases or general information, contact Ramona Riley-Bozier, Hall of Fame Program Chair, at msuletterwinnerclubhof@gmail.com.


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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.




 
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