DETROIT (2/1/2022) -- The memory of Titan Reggie remains alive in Calihan Hall as former alum and longtime donor and fan Ron Thayer was named this year's Titan Reggie Spirit Of Detroit Mercy Award.
Thayer was presented with the award at halftime of the Titans' game against UM-Dearborn.
"I use to sit in front of Titan Reggie in his corner for several years and you could always hear him and how proud he was. I truly appreciated his enthusiasm and his excitement for the Titans and it is great to have this award in his name," said Thayer.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University in 1962, where he was editor of the Varsity News.
He also worked as Director of Annual Fund for U-D from 1964-1969, where his responsibilities included raising money from alumni and civic leaders as well as planning numerous events to cultivate alumni. He is also a past President of the Titan Club.
After working in Titan athletics, his career took him to Supervisor of Communications for Corporate Staff at Chrysler. After that, he worked for a long time in politics with positions as Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Secretary of Board of Southeast Michigan Transit Authority (SEMTA), Executive Assistant to Congressman and then Executive Secretary to Governor Jim Blanchard. He went back into development career in development as Senior VP for Development for WTVS-TV, Public Television, Department Executive for Economic Development of Wayne County, New Business Development for Infinity & Ovation Yacht Charters and Director of Fundraising for Turnaround Detroit Super PAC Supporting Mike Duggan for Mayor.
"My grandfather graduated from the University in 1894 I believe and so I always wanted to attend U-D," said Thayer. "I got involved with the Varsity News and one day I went to go see coach Bob Calihan, who was also the athletic director and he asked me what I was doing this Saturday and told me to get here early and get on the team bus to Notre Dame. It was great. I was always hoping that one of the bus rides to Chicago, there would be a snowstorm and players maybe couldn't make it and have him tell me to suit up."
His longtime contributions helped the Titans complete numerous projects including the installation of Dick Vitale Court and an auxiliary shooting gym for the basketball programs.
The Titan Reggie Spirit of Detroit Mercy Award was named after the famed alum and one of the greatest and most popular fans, who passed away on Dec. 9, 2015, after a car accident.
The award was established during the 2016-17 basketball season and will be presented each year to a person who embodies the late Reggie Hall's "Titan spirit," which includes supporting teams at home and on the road through good times and bad, as Reggie did for many years.
Former U-D baseball coach Bob Miller - Hall's baseball coach at the University - was the first to receive the accolade in 2018.
Titan Reggie Spirit of Detroit Mercy Award
Bob Miller - 2018
John Deters - 2019
Mikhail Youdin - 2020
Ron Thayer - 2022
