Men's Hockey Coach Phil Grady was honored as the first recipient of The Jerome Gottlieb '64 Fellowship for Exemplary Coaching at this year's convocation ceremony held on August 27.
Since beginning his career at Hamilton in 1983 Grady has tallied 292 victories on the ice. Hamilton's premier hockey coach, Grady is ranked among the top 15 active coaches in NCAA Division III. Under his leadership, the men's hockey team has reached the postseason every year since 1992 and has played in all six NESCAC Championship tournaments. During the 1996-97 season, Hamilton won a record 19 games and was ranked number one in the nation.
Stressing the three "E's"—Effort, Enthusiasm, and Execution, Grady's influence extends off the ice as well. Commenting on his former coach, Rob Gordon '03 stated, "Coach Grady displays the highest level of personal character, ethics, and moral behavior and demands the same from the individuals in his program." Comments such as this from former players highlight Coach Grady's ability and the reason he was selected for the Gottlieb Fellowship.
Thomas J. Schwarz '66 established the fellowship following the death of his good friend and fraternity brother, Jerome Gottlieb. Jerome "Jerry" Gottlieb majored in history at Hamilton, was a varsity swimmer, and member of Delta Upsilon fraternity.
Jerry was known to many as someone who was particularly generous with his time and counsel. He took particular pleasure in helping others reach their full potential. Always faithful and generous to Hamilton, Jerry provided exceptional leadership, for many years, as president of the College's Los Angeles Alumni Association.
The Jerome Gottlieb '64 Fellowship for Exemplary Coaching will be awarded, on a rotating basis, to a member of the coaching staff who has exhibited the characteristics Jerry exemplified. The term of appointment will be for three years and the selection of the Gottlieb Fellow will be made by the Athletic Director, in consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of the Faculty. The Fellowship recipient will receive an annual stipend for use in anyway that benefits his or her coaching and mentoring of student athletes.
