PATRICIA "CUBBY" FITZPATRICK Cross Country, Softball, Swimming & Volleyball 1979-1981 In the spring of 1981, those opposing the Lehman College women's softball team had little chance when Patricia Fitzpatrick was on the mound. Fitzpatrick, with a .890 earned run average, pitched every game for the Lancers while leading her team to three titles in just one season: The Hudson Valley Tournament, The City University of New York Tournament and the New York State Invitational Championship. Her critical contributions to this triple crown were recognized that May when she was selected as the Lehman College Athlete by competing for Lehman's cross-country, swimming and volleyball teams. In 1982, she became a member of the first female recruit class in the history of the New York City Fire Department. She served with distinction as an active fire fighter until retiring in 1998 as result of an injury sustained in the line of duty. Inducted May 20, 2000
CHARLIE GREENBERG Advisor, Mentor, Volunteer & Friend 1976-2000 After serving with the United States First Army in World War II, Charles "Charlie" Greenberg worked for the Port Authority of New York until his retirement in 1971. Offering his services as a volunteer for the Lehman College Athletic Department, he was immediately embraced for his knowledge, enthusiasm and memorable personality. For the next 23 years, Charlie attended most of the home softball, tennis, basketball and volleyball contests and accompanied the teams on many out-of-town games. He was instrumental in helping the 1989 men's tennis team win the CUNY Championship and also helped to develop the first women's tennis varsity team. In 1984, he won the "Spirit of Athletics" Award and,in 1977, the Department of Athletics Service Award. With the opening of the APEX, he became a special advisor for the Director of Athletics and assisted the CUNY Athletic Conference with numerous championships. Inducted May 20, 2000
GREG JONES Basketball 1973-1977 A four-time all-star, Greg Jones was the first freshman to start for the men's basketball team in the history of Lehman College. His speed, smothering defense, rugged rebounding and deadly mid-distance jump shot made him an indispensable member of two championship teams in the City University of New York basketball tournament. Excelling in the 1974 Hunter Hawk Christmas Invitational Tournament, he helped the Lancers win both games and was selected as the Most Valuable Player. In his final two seasons at Lehman, Jones led his teams in rebounding and scoring, ending a stellar career with over 1,000 points. In 1977, Jones was honored as the Lehman College Athlete of the Year. Inducted May 20, 2000
NORMAN LEFKOWITZ Basketball Coach 1979-1987 Competition was known to change Norman Lefkowitz's persona. Caring and sociable off the court, he became highly competitive and focused once on the court. A teacher and coach for 30 years, he received numerous awards for his coaching abilities prior to arriving at Lehman College. At Lehman, his expertise translated into winning seasons. Coach Lefkowitz won two conference championships (1983-84 and 1986-87) and guided the Lehman College men's basketball team to an Eastern College Athletic Conference berth in 1984-85. A player's coach, he was a mentor to all his athletes. Diligent in ensuring that his players were excellent all-round student-athletes, he dedicated himself to helping them in all aspects of life. Inducted May 20, 2000
SERGE PILIPCZUK Swimming 1971-1975 Known for his talent, perseverance and leadership, Serge Pilipczuk was the inspirational leader of the men's swim team during his tenure at Lehman. After a two-year hiatus to recover from a motorcycle accident, he returned to top form to lead the Lancers while establishing six individual school records, five Lehman College pool records, three relay records, four Metropolitan Swim Conference records and five CUNY records. Named CUNY Most Valuable Player in 1971 and 1972, as well as Metropolitan Conference MVP in 1972 and 1975, he received the Lehman College Outstanding Athlete Award in 1972 and 1975. In 1975, when he was team captain, Pilipczuk also qualified for the Eastern Championships and was a NCAA Division III National Qualifier. Inducted May 20, 2000
RAY RANKIS Basketball 1971-1975 While at Lehman College, the versatile Ray Rankins played five positions in four seasons and was the consummate teammate, making key contributions to two City University of New York Basketball Tournament championship teams (1974 and 1975 ). His basketball coaching achievements to that at Baruch College included its first City University Tournament championship (2000), two City University Basketball Conference Coach of the Year Awards (1992 and 1999), the most wins ever recorded in Baruch's history (210), and the greatest number of post-season appearances (one NCAA Division III bid and six ECAC Tournaments). As a coach, Rankis is greatly admired for his measured, level headed approach to competition and for fielding four-year players who earn Baruch degees. In addition to his coaching duties, he serves as Baruch's Associate Athletic Director and Director in Intramural Sports. Inducted May 20, 2000
NOREEN SCHIFINI Basketball, Softball, Volleyball 1977-1980 Noreen Schifini was a remarkable three-sport Lehman athlete, starring in softball and volleyball for four years and in basketball for two. In softball, Schifini was part of Lehman's 1979 CUNY championship team; was voted in her senior year as a team Most Valuable Player and CUNY all-star; achieved an incredible single-season batting average of .486; and set the College's single-season record for stolen bases. In volleyball, she was also a team MVP, as well as a team co-captain and a Hudson Valley Women's Athletic Conference all-star. Her basketball achievements included an award as the team's co-MVP. After graduating from Lehman, Schifini went on to become a New York City police officer and served in that capacity for ten years. Inducted May 20, 2000
DEBBIE SMITH Basketball, Field Hockey, Softball & Volleyball 1972 - 1976 Debbie Smith, a well-rounded athlete, has the distinguished honor of hoarding eleven varsity letters, the most held by a Lehman College graduate to date. She was the top scorer in field hockey during (1972-1973). It was her passion for basketball, however, that won Smith the most accolades. From 1973-1976, she helped her team win the New York State Association of Intercollegiate Athleties for Women's Championship. She was voted to the New York State All-Star Basketball Team for four consecutive years (1972-1976) and was the Most Valuable Player for 1974-1976. In 1976, Smith and the women's basketball team represented Lehman in China at the Goodwill Exchange Games. Apart from Lehman, she played with The Amateur Athletic Union and was twice voted All-American (1974-1975). Today Smith remains active in coaching and teaching the game of basketball. Inducted May 20, 2000