'Cuse to Honor Five Exceptional Alums at 53rd Annual LetterWinner of Distinction
10/20/2017 2:41:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Men's Rowing, Men's Lacrosse, General, Cheer
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – A teacher and coach, a small business owner, a US Olympian and US Rowing program director, a Navy Seal and author, and a high school psychologist and coach will take center stage at the 53rd annual Syracuse University LetterWinner of Distinction celebration on Thursday, November 9th, 2017. The dinner and program will be held at the Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center on the Syracuse University campus. The honorees include Rafael Addison '99 (basketball), Carolyn Knight Ahern '78 (cheer), Tom Darling '81 (rowing), Rorke Denver '96 (lacrosse) and Sue Ludwig '88 (basketball).
Tickets for the formal event are $100 per person and a table of 10 is $950. A reception begins at 6 pm followed by a dinner at 7 pm. To purchase tickets, click here or call the Orange Club Office at 315-443-1419. The reservation deadline is Wednesday, November 1st, 2017.
Rafael Addison '99 (basketball)
Born and raised in Jersey City, Rafael Addison joined the Orange after a standout basketball career at Snyder High School. A three-time honorable mention All-American and All-BIG EAST selection at Syracuse, Addison played professional basketball in the NBA and overseas for six years. Addison was also a member of the 1984 USA Select Team that won the Jones Cup gold medal.
Since retiring from his professional basketball career, Addison has taught physical education in his hometown, where he also is a member of the board of education. He was also a high school basketball coach for 17 years.
As a high school senior, he was named the best player in Hudson County and earned a spot in the McDonalds Capital Classic, an all-star game played in Washington, DC that also featured a visit to the White House during President Ronald Reagan's tenure.
At Syracuse, Addison earned All-BIG EAST Freshman Team honors in 1983 and was an All-BIG EAST First Team selection as a junior. He earned honorable mention All-America honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. When he graduated from Syracuse, Addison ranked second on the Orange career scoring record list. His 1,876 points currently rank 10th. Addison was voted to Syracuse's men's basketball All-Century Team.
During his Syracuse career, Addison made time for the community, visiting terminally-ill children on every Valentine's Day and Christmas Day, working as a volunteer for the Special Olympics and the Catholic Youth Organization, from which he was honored in three consecutive years for his service, in addition to many other community projects. He continued his civic engagement as a professional basketball player with the Fannie Mae Foundation and the A+ Challenge for Kids.
Addison, who earned a Bachelor of Science in communications in 1999, also received the Syracuse University men's basketball Victor Hanson Medal of Excellence in 1998.
Carolyn Knight Ahern '78 (cheer)
A varsity cheerleading letter winner, Carolyn Knight Ahern earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion illustration in 1978. She was named Outstanding Junior and Outstanding Senior in the Fashion Illustration Department and earned Dean's list honors throughout her undergraduate career.
Ahern's professional career started in advertising in Hartford, Conn., near her hometown of Bloomfield. When she moved to Syracuse, she worked for several agencies, including Eric Mower Associates. She remained a freelance art director until 1995. Carolyn ran the Youth Ministry program and Religious Education program at St James in Cazenovia from 1995-2001. During this same time, she was an advisor to the Cazenovia Varsity Cheerleaders.
Ahern transitioned into the field of education in 2000 as an academic skills coordinator for Higher Education Opportunity Program at Cazenovia College and Syracuse University, and served in that role until 2004. She and her husband, Tim, a Syracuse football letter winner, have served as presenters for Worldwide Marriage Encounter.
In 2005, Carolyn founded Premier Travel. She writes a professional travel blog and has grown her business to serve clients all over the country. She is an avid golfer and is a member of the Syracuse Women's District Golf Association. In addition, Ahern is an accomplished ceramic and pastel artist. She was selected to be a featured artist for the Cazenovia Art Trail, an invitation only and juried event.
Tom Darling '81 (rowing)
A three-year member of the Orange varsity eight boat, Tom Darling helped lead boats to gold and bronze medals at the IRA Championship and then earned a silver medal in the fifth seat of the men's eight at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Darling was a member of the U.S. Olympic rowing teams in 1980, 1984 and 1988. He was also a crewmember of the Stars and Stripes racing yacht, winner of the 1987 America's Cup.
Since 2000, Darling has been the director of client relationship services for Agawam Trust and Management.
He has also remained active in the rowing community. In 2013, he was named Para-Rowing Director for US Rowing, where he directs and manages the association's adaptive rowing identification and development programs. He led the U.S. team in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Darling was a coach for the Adaptive Rowing Program for Community Rowing Inc. in Boston from 2008 through 2011.
He has also worked with Veteran's Administration, the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, Mass., and companies that manufacture adaptive rowing equipment. He worked to include adaptive rowing at the C.R.A.S.H.—B. World Indoor Rowing Championships and in 2010, persuaded CRI to apply to become a Paralympic Sports Club though a program designed by the United States Olympic Committee and the Veteran's Administration. Darling served as the head rowing coach at Boston University in 1991.
Darling, who was inducted into the Syracuse Rowing Hall of Fame in 2013, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1981 and a master's degree in education from Boston University in 1990. Darling has maintained his interest in Syracuse rowing, serving as Director on the board of the Syracuse Alumni Rowing Association (SARA).
Rorke Denver '96 (lacrosse)
A two-time national champion and Syracuse lacrosse team captain Rorke Denver transitioned his leadership skills from the lacrosse field to Military battle fields. A United States Navy SEALs Commander, Denver has run every phase of training for the U.S. Navy SEALs and led special-forces missions in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and other international hot spots.
In 2006, Denver was officer in charge of BRAVO Platoon of SEAL Team Three in Iraq's Al Anbar Province in one of the most combat-heavy deployments of any regular SEAL team since Vietnam. He was an assault team leader for more than 200 combat missions. Denver was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" for valorous action in combat. He is an Honor graduate of the Army Ranger program.
He is the CEO and founder of Ever Onward, a leadership and human performance consultancy. He sits on the advisory boards of several Veteran Service Organizations and focuses significant efforts towards veteran health and military transition.
Denver has shared his story in print, movies and television. He starred in the hit film Act of Valor, which is based on true SEAL adventures. His first book, the New York Times Bestseller: Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior, takes you inside his personal story and the fascinating, demanding SEAL training program. His second book Worth Dying For speaks to leadership, service and the future of our nation. He stared in Season One of the FOX TV show "American Grit" and is currently cast in 'Darkness' on Discovery Channel.
At Syracuse, Denver earned honorable mention All-America honors and was a team captain in 1996. He played in every game as a sophomore, junior and senior, including the 1995 National Championship team, and was part of the 1993 National Championship team as a freshman.
A native of Los Altos, Calif., Denver earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts in 1996 and completed his training as a SEAL in 1999. While on active duty, he earned a Master's Degree in Global Business Leadership from the University of San Diego. Denver's parents, Tom and Deanna, as well as his grandfather, are Syracuse University graduates. Tom was a three-year rowing letter winner.
Sue Ludwig '88 (basketball)
A standout for Syracuse from 1984-88, Ludwig helped lead the Orange women to the 1985 and 1988 NCAA Tournaments. She earned All-BIG EAST First Team honors as a senior after being names second-team all-conference as a junior. The Whitehall, Pa. native closed her career with 1,214 points, 529 assists and 254 steals. She remains present in the Syracuse women's basketball record books for points (13th), assists (fourth), steals (fourth), free throws made (seventh), free throw percentage (ninth), and minutes played (third).
Ludwig, who is a school psychologist at Paul V. Moore High School in the Central Square School District, was enshrined in the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and she was honored as an Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Basketball Legend in 2014.
Ludwig transitioned from her all-star playing career to the sidelines as the head coach at Westhill High School in 1991. In her 26 seasons leading the Warriors program, Ludwig has established herself as one of the best high school coaches in Section III history. In December, 2016, she recorded her 500th career coaching victory and she ranks in the top 10 on New York State's all-time wins list for girls basketball. Her 1996 team won the New York State Class C Public School Championship. Ludwig has guided Westhill to nine Section III Championships and 16 OHSL Championships. She is a two-time All-Central New York Coach of the Year and an 11-time OHSL Liberty Conference Coach of the Year.
Ludwig earned a Bachelor of Science in consumer studies in 1988 and an M.S. in school psychology from SUNY Owego in 1999.
Tickets for the formal event are $100 per person and a table of 10 is $950. A reception begins at 6 pm followed by a dinner at 7 pm. To purchase tickets, click here or call the Orange Club Office at 315-443-1419. The reservation deadline is Wednesday, November 1st, 2017.
Rafael Addison '99 (basketball)
Born and raised in Jersey City, Rafael Addison joined the Orange after a standout basketball career at Snyder High School. A three-time honorable mention All-American and All-BIG EAST selection at Syracuse, Addison played professional basketball in the NBA and overseas for six years. Addison was also a member of the 1984 USA Select Team that won the Jones Cup gold medal.
Since retiring from his professional basketball career, Addison has taught physical education in his hometown, where he also is a member of the board of education. He was also a high school basketball coach for 17 years.
As a high school senior, he was named the best player in Hudson County and earned a spot in the McDonalds Capital Classic, an all-star game played in Washington, DC that also featured a visit to the White House during President Ronald Reagan's tenure.
At Syracuse, Addison earned All-BIG EAST Freshman Team honors in 1983 and was an All-BIG EAST First Team selection as a junior. He earned honorable mention All-America honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. When he graduated from Syracuse, Addison ranked second on the Orange career scoring record list. His 1,876 points currently rank 10th. Addison was voted to Syracuse's men's basketball All-Century Team.
During his Syracuse career, Addison made time for the community, visiting terminally-ill children on every Valentine's Day and Christmas Day, working as a volunteer for the Special Olympics and the Catholic Youth Organization, from which he was honored in three consecutive years for his service, in addition to many other community projects. He continued his civic engagement as a professional basketball player with the Fannie Mae Foundation and the A+ Challenge for Kids.
Addison, who earned a Bachelor of Science in communications in 1999, also received the Syracuse University men's basketball Victor Hanson Medal of Excellence in 1998.
Carolyn Knight Ahern '78 (cheer)
A varsity cheerleading letter winner, Carolyn Knight Ahern earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion illustration in 1978. She was named Outstanding Junior and Outstanding Senior in the Fashion Illustration Department and earned Dean's list honors throughout her undergraduate career.
Ahern's professional career started in advertising in Hartford, Conn., near her hometown of Bloomfield. When she moved to Syracuse, she worked for several agencies, including Eric Mower Associates. She remained a freelance art director until 1995. Carolyn ran the Youth Ministry program and Religious Education program at St James in Cazenovia from 1995-2001. During this same time, she was an advisor to the Cazenovia Varsity Cheerleaders.
Ahern transitioned into the field of education in 2000 as an academic skills coordinator for Higher Education Opportunity Program at Cazenovia College and Syracuse University, and served in that role until 2004. She and her husband, Tim, a Syracuse football letter winner, have served as presenters for Worldwide Marriage Encounter.
In 2005, Carolyn founded Premier Travel. She writes a professional travel blog and has grown her business to serve clients all over the country. She is an avid golfer and is a member of the Syracuse Women's District Golf Association. In addition, Ahern is an accomplished ceramic and pastel artist. She was selected to be a featured artist for the Cazenovia Art Trail, an invitation only and juried event.
Tom Darling '81 (rowing)
A three-year member of the Orange varsity eight boat, Tom Darling helped lead boats to gold and bronze medals at the IRA Championship and then earned a silver medal in the fifth seat of the men's eight at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Darling was a member of the U.S. Olympic rowing teams in 1980, 1984 and 1988. He was also a crewmember of the Stars and Stripes racing yacht, winner of the 1987 America's Cup.
Since 2000, Darling has been the director of client relationship services for Agawam Trust and Management.
He has also remained active in the rowing community. In 2013, he was named Para-Rowing Director for US Rowing, where he directs and manages the association's adaptive rowing identification and development programs. He led the U.S. team in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Darling was a coach for the Adaptive Rowing Program for Community Rowing Inc. in Boston from 2008 through 2011.
He has also worked with Veteran's Administration, the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, Mass., and companies that manufacture adaptive rowing equipment. He worked to include adaptive rowing at the C.R.A.S.H.—B. World Indoor Rowing Championships and in 2010, persuaded CRI to apply to become a Paralympic Sports Club though a program designed by the United States Olympic Committee and the Veteran's Administration. Darling served as the head rowing coach at Boston University in 1991.
Darling, who was inducted into the Syracuse Rowing Hall of Fame in 2013, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1981 and a master's degree in education from Boston University in 1990. Darling has maintained his interest in Syracuse rowing, serving as Director on the board of the Syracuse Alumni Rowing Association (SARA).
Rorke Denver '96 (lacrosse)
A two-time national champion and Syracuse lacrosse team captain Rorke Denver transitioned his leadership skills from the lacrosse field to Military battle fields. A United States Navy SEALs Commander, Denver has run every phase of training for the U.S. Navy SEALs and led special-forces missions in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and other international hot spots.
In 2006, Denver was officer in charge of BRAVO Platoon of SEAL Team Three in Iraq's Al Anbar Province in one of the most combat-heavy deployments of any regular SEAL team since Vietnam. He was an assault team leader for more than 200 combat missions. Denver was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" for valorous action in combat. He is an Honor graduate of the Army Ranger program.
He is the CEO and founder of Ever Onward, a leadership and human performance consultancy. He sits on the advisory boards of several Veteran Service Organizations and focuses significant efforts towards veteran health and military transition.
Denver has shared his story in print, movies and television. He starred in the hit film Act of Valor, which is based on true SEAL adventures. His first book, the New York Times Bestseller: Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior, takes you inside his personal story and the fascinating, demanding SEAL training program. His second book Worth Dying For speaks to leadership, service and the future of our nation. He stared in Season One of the FOX TV show "American Grit" and is currently cast in 'Darkness' on Discovery Channel.
At Syracuse, Denver earned honorable mention All-America honors and was a team captain in 1996. He played in every game as a sophomore, junior and senior, including the 1995 National Championship team, and was part of the 1993 National Championship team as a freshman.
A native of Los Altos, Calif., Denver earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts in 1996 and completed his training as a SEAL in 1999. While on active duty, he earned a Master's Degree in Global Business Leadership from the University of San Diego. Denver's parents, Tom and Deanna, as well as his grandfather, are Syracuse University graduates. Tom was a three-year rowing letter winner.
Sue Ludwig '88 (basketball)
A standout for Syracuse from 1984-88, Ludwig helped lead the Orange women to the 1985 and 1988 NCAA Tournaments. She earned All-BIG EAST First Team honors as a senior after being names second-team all-conference as a junior. The Whitehall, Pa. native closed her career with 1,214 points, 529 assists and 254 steals. She remains present in the Syracuse women's basketball record books for points (13th), assists (fourth), steals (fourth), free throws made (seventh), free throw percentage (ninth), and minutes played (third).
Ludwig, who is a school psychologist at Paul V. Moore High School in the Central Square School District, was enshrined in the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and she was honored as an Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Basketball Legend in 2014.
Ludwig transitioned from her all-star playing career to the sidelines as the head coach at Westhill High School in 1991. In her 26 seasons leading the Warriors program, Ludwig has established herself as one of the best high school coaches in Section III history. In December, 2016, she recorded her 500th career coaching victory and she ranks in the top 10 on New York State's all-time wins list for girls basketball. Her 1996 team won the New York State Class C Public School Championship. Ludwig has guided Westhill to nine Section III Championships and 16 OHSL Championships. She is a two-time All-Central New York Coach of the Year and an 11-time OHSL Liberty Conference Coach of the Year.
Ludwig earned a Bachelor of Science in consumer studies in 1988 and an M.S. in school psychology from SUNY Owego in 1999.
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