BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A pair of longtime Lehigh supporters were recently honored for their dedication and service to the University and Athletics Department as Bill Donahue was named the Friend of Lehigh Award winner and Stephen “Gus” Pecuch was honored with the Good Neighbor Award. The Friend of Lehigh is given in grateful recognition of significant generosity and continuous support of the Lehigh community, while the Good Neighbor Award is given for consistent support and neighborly interest in Lehigh University to a person that is appreciated and warmly regarded by the Lehigh community.
Donahue has had an extensive affiliation with Lehigh University and specifically the Athletics Department for nearly 30 years. From 1981 through 1993, Donahue served in a number of capacities, including Associate Head Coach of Track and Field, Assistant Coach for Meet Management in cross country, Coordinator of Events on the Goodman Campus, Manager of Rauch Fieldhouse, and Assistant to the Director of Facilities for non-revenue sports. Donohue played a key role in the critical planning and staging of the NCAA National Cross Country Championships, held at Lehigh University in 1983.
In 1990, Donahue joined the Board of Directors of the Emrey Track and Field Association – a regional United States Track and Field club that officiates meets in the Lehigh Valley. Upon his retirement, Donahue became the Executive Director of this volunteer organization which continues to officiate and often provides results for home Lehigh cross country and track and field events. Donahue was instrumental in the development of the Brian Mundy Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the winning school of the Lehigh – Lafayette cross country, indoor and outdoor track duels.
“Bill Donahue has been a tremendous influence and supporter of Lehigh Athletics for many years and we all appreciate everything he has done and continues to do,” Debbie Utesch, Lehigh’s head cross country coach explained. “He continues to serve the Lehigh Athletics community and specifically the track and field and cross country programs by emphasizing the tradition and pride of the rivalry with Lafayette. His dedication has significantly enhanced the experience of our student-athletes in these programs.”
Pecuch has been involved with Lehigh Athletics for over 40 years. A fixture within the realm of Lehigh Football, Gus, as he is known throughout campus, has attended nearly every fall and spring practice over the last 15 years, keeping the official timing to help keep the team on schedule. For the last 25 years, Pecuch has served as the manager of the football press box at home games, serving food, handing out game notes and programs to media members, and acting as security by enforcing credential policies.
During the last decade, Pecuch has added the role of press room moderator to his list of duties at men’s and women’s basketball home games, serving in a similar capacity – all on a volunteer basis. Gus has also lent his time and support at Lehigh wrestling matches on occasion as well.
Jeff Tourial, Lehigh’s Director of Broadcast and Multimedia has worked closely with Pecuch for close to a decade. “Gus volunteers his time because he truly loves Lehigh University and the people that work here. I know I speak for many of us within the Athletics Department when I say we’d be lost without his services and unwavering support.”
