Rochester Institute of Technology Athletics

It was through A. Stephen Walls’ efforts that the Hall of Fame program was started in 1969 with four inductees. Walls came to RIT in 1961, joining the downtown campus as director of Student Activities. In 1969 he was named director of the College-Alumni Union. He joined the departments of Physical Education and Athletics in 1976 and was coordinator of Intramurals at the time of his death in January, 1980. During his 19 years with the Institute, Walls served as chairman of the Hall of Fame and Athletic committees. While he served on the Athletic Committee, RIT elevated six sports to varsity status. He was advisor to the women's ice hockey program during its initial years in the late 1970s, and served on RIT Athlete of the Week and Year selection committees. As director of Intramurals, Walls expanded and instituted programs to involve more students. He himself was very active athletically and had completed one million yards in the swimming pool shortly before his death. His involvement with the Institute went beyond athletics and recreation. He was chairman of the advisory board of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and established an emergency loan fund to aid students. Since his death, the A. Stephen Walls Memorial Fund has been established to help student-athletes with financial need.