Eastern Mennonite University

The Eastern Mennonite University Athletic Hall of Honor is a group of elite athletes, coaches, administrators and teams who have distinguished themselves by their outstanding athletic achievements and exemplary performance at EMU.

The athletic department started the Hall of Honor in 1979. At that time, athletes were eligible for induction upon graduation from the institution with few guidelines for selection or procedures for induction. This practice continued until 2004, when the Loyal Royals, EMU's athletic booster club, established the Hall of Honor guidelines and created a Hall of Honor committee to oversee the process. 

Each year, the Hall of Honor committee selects individuals and/or teams for induction. Those names are then sent to current Hall of Honor members for affirmation. Induction ceremonies are held each year during homecoming weekend in October. The athletic director will accept nominations for the Hall of Honor at any time.

Intercollegiate athletics at EMU have changed significantly since their inception in the 1960s in the areas of athletic ability, competition and record keeping. Lack of statistics in the early years makes it difficult to provide documentation of athletic achievement at the conference, regional and national levels. Hall of Honor inductions are based on the athletic accomplishments relevant to the era in which they were achieved.

The Hall of Honor categories are as follows: 

Athlete – An athlete must have attended EMU for at least two years, graduated from EMU at least 10 years prior to the year of induction and have distinguished themselves by their outstanding athletic achievement at EMU, the conference and/or regional and/or national levels.

Team - A team that distinguished themselves by reaching the highest levels of national competition and having graduated 10 years prior to the year of induction, can be considered for induction into the Hall of Honor. 

Jersey Retirement – The most prestigious award in the Hall of Honor program, the jersey retirement, is awarded to a member of the Hall of Honor who has graduated from EMU at least 10 years prior to the year of induction and distinguished themselves through outstanding athletic achievements, been a significant record holder or statistical leader within their sport and had multiple years of recognition.

Royal Service Award - Awarded at the discretion of the committee for outstanding contributions to EMU Athletics through services, philanthropy, relationships, & volunteering. For example…For example, the annual golf classic was named the Paul R. Yoder Sr. Golf Classic in honor of Paul’s long-time service, support, friendship and commitment to EMU Athletics. Paul T. Guengerich was honored for the close relationships he built with players and parents. In 2009, Dick and Helen Ours were honored for over 35 years of regular attendance at games. 

Distinguished Service Award - Awarded at the discretion of the committee for outstanding contributions to EMU Athletics as a member of the Athletics Department, must have worked at EMU for at least five years, and distinguished themselves through department achievements or impact.