Former Lewis Coach Gordie Gillespie Honored — Tribute Wall Unveiled

A legendary gentleman began one of the most remarkable coaching careers in athletics history right here at Lewis in 1951 and devoted 25-years to the Lewis community.

Gordie Gillespie was honored at the “A Lewis University Tribute to Coach Gordie Gillespie” event on September 30^th on our main campus, and also at a Banner Raising Ceremony honoring the 1974, 1975 and 1976 NAIA National Championship teams at Homecoming on October 2^nd. Thank you to the many Gillespie family members, friends, former players and donors to the Carey-Gillespie Endowed Scholarship Fund who attended the events. Neil Carey ’54 (pictured at right), a member of Gillespie’s first basketball team at Lewis, was among those present to honor Gillespie.

Mr. Carey established the Carey-Gillespie Endowed Scholarship Fund in 1995 in honor of Coach Gillespie and to assist deserving Lewis student-athletes. As part of this Tribute, more than $440,000 was committed toward a goal of increasing the level of this scholarship fund by $500,000.

One of many special moments on September 30^th included the unveiling of a wall just outside the entrance of Neil Carey Arena recognizing Coach Gillespie’s lifetime accomplishments and a glass case containing team photos and memorabilia from his 25-year coaching career at Lewis. A portion of the wall is also devoted to recognizing donors of $1,000 or more to the Carey-Gillespie Endowed Scholarship. Donors are recognized in four different categories ($1,000 - $4,999, $5,000 - $9,999, $10,000 - $99,999, and $100,000+). Though the event has passed, it is not too late to get your name on this permanent wall, help us reach our $500,000 goal, and demonstrate your appreciation for Coach Gillespie by supporting his scholarship fund!

While gifts of any size are appreciated and will be recognized in the Lewis University President’s Annual Report, your name will be added to the wall by making a one-time gift of $1,000 or more, or through a pledge of $1,000 or more that can be paid over a maximum of four years. Please contact Lewis University’s Senior Development Officer, Len Bertolini, at (815) 836-5267 or via e-mail at bertolle@lewisu.edu for additional information or to make arrangements. You may also make a one-time gift via our secure website (give online). Please click on the “Other” option in the Gift Designation area, and type in “Gillespie” in the space provided to receive proper credit.

For a brochure detailing this effort, please click here and to see photos from the events click here.