Rochester Institute of Technology Athletics

Louis A. Alexander, Jr., former Director of Athletics and varsity coach of both basketball and baseball, was cited for his outstanding contributions to the Institute, and in particular, the field of athletics. In 1959, he became the Institute's first full-time Director of Athletics. During his tenure which lasted until 1977, the accomplishments within his department were numerous. He began as the only full-timer in the department and was instrumental in seeing it grow. Through Alexander's efforts, 13 sports for both men and women attained varsity status. Additionally, he revised the former Athletic Board of Control and turned it into the Athletic Committee. He helped start the Sports Hall of Fame and initiated the RIT Basketball Invitational. He joined RIT as baseball and basketball coach. In 1959, he took over the duties of Director of Athletics and Physical Education while still serving as basketball and baseball coach. He resigned his coaching duties in 1968. Alexander served on the NCAA Division III Basketball Tournament Selection Committee, the NCAA Baseball Tournament Committee, served as president of the Independent College Athletic Conference (1975-1977) and was chairman of the Rochester Area College Athletic Directors Association.