Hudak to Receive UMSHoF Service Award
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Coral Gables Interim Police Chief Edward J. Hudak will be honored with the President’s Distinguished Service Award by the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame at its 47th Annual Induction Banquet on Thursday.
Hudak, a former Hurricanes football player, has served as the ‘Canes head of football security and legal liaison for nearly three decades. During this time he has been a trusted advisor and confidant to the past six head coaches, as well as a mentor, role model and guardian angel to hundreds of student athletes.
“Ed is truly deserving of this award and I cannot think of a better recipient,” said football head coach Al Golden. “His loyalty and work ethic define what a Miami Hurricane is all about. He is a valued member of our staff and his service to his alma mater never goes unnoticed. I could not be more excited for him and his family.”
The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania native was a member of the Hurricanes football program in 1979-1982 and saw its rise to prominence under Coach Howard Schnellenberger. He received a Bachelor of Science in Communications (1987) and a Masters of Arts in Liberal Science (2010) from the university. Ed is a member of Iron Arrow, the highest honor one can attain at the University.
Hudak was named the Interim Police Chief on September 11, 2014 by a vote of the Coral Gables City Commission. A member of the force since 1988, he is a graduate of the FBI National Law Enforcement Executive Academy. The FBI National Academy is a professional development course for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders. It serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.
Past recipients of the UMSHoF Presidents Distinguished Service Award include broadcaster Tony Segreto, longtime public address announcer Jay Rokeach, former faculty athletic representative and ACC President Dr. Clyde McCoy, Myrna Schneider, secretary to the football coaches for 37 years, and longtime broadcaster the late Sonny Hirsch. The award is selected by a committee that consists of current UMSHoF President KC Jones, Immediate Past President Wally DiMarko and President-Elect Gerard Loisel.
The 47th Annual UM Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet will be held at Jungle Island in downtown Miami this coming Thursday evening. For tickets, call the UMSHoF at 305-284-2775.
