Georgia Southern University honors Tracy Ham as Alumnus of the Year

April 7, 2008

Tracy Ham of Atlanta has been named Alumnus of the Year by Georgia Southern University.

Ham is a regional account manager with Sony Electronics. He also serves as a color commentator with Comcast Sports South. Ham was honored at the University’s annual Alumni Awards Banquet Saturday, April 5, in Statesboro.

‘Tracy’s impact on Georgia Southern University has been well-documented whether through his numerous athletics records or through his recent induction into the College Football Hall of Fame,” said University President Bruce Grube. ‘Even more impressive than his on-the-field heroics is his commitment to family and community off the field. I am proud to recognize someone who is not only one of the greatest collegiate quarterbacks to ever play the game, but a caring husband, father and friend.”

Ham received his bachelor’s degree in recreation in 1995. As a student-athlete, Ham was a quarterback for the Georgia Southern football team. The Eagles won their first two NCAA FCS national championships in 1985 and 1986 with Ham under center.

He was named the Atlanta Journal-Constitution State College Player of the Year in 1984, 1985 and 1986, as well as to the Associated Press and Kodak All-America teams in 1986. He later enjoyed a long and successful career in the Canadian Football League. In 2007, Ham was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Twenty-two years after his final game as an Eagle, Ham still holds more than 40 game, season, career and playoff records at Georgia Southern. He is the only player in college football history to rush for more than 3,000 yards and pass for more than 5,000. In 2001, his No. 8 jersey was the first jersey to be retired by the Eagles.

Ham serves on the boards of directors for First Southern National Bank, the advisory committee for the Statesboro-Bulloch Parks and Recreation Department, the committee for the Boys and Girls Club of Statesboro, the Athletes in Action Team Ministry, and the committee for the Bethesda Home for Boys. Additionally, he serves as a spokesman for the United Way and for prostate cancer awareness.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers more than 120 degree programs serving nearly 17,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education.

Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.