Thomas Hansen named LCC's 2016 Alumni of the Year.
Over the course of an illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Hansen left
an indelible mark on the world of collegiate athletics. Most significantly, he served
as Pac-10 (now Pac-12) Commissioner for 26 years until his retirement in 2009.
Hansen is perhaps best known for overseeing an era of incredible growth for college
football. He served as administrator for the National Collegiate Athletic Association's
(NCAA's) Football Television Program for 11 years when it held the rights to all college
games. He subsequently developed the Pac-10's football television program while serving
as Commissioner, and even played a small role in the development of a television sports
network called ESPN.
While serving as a national leader in collegiate athletics administration, Hansen
oversaw the development of women's programming at both the NCAA and Pac-10 levels.
Hansen began his community college education at LCC in 1955, and attended for two
years before transferring to the University of Washington (UW) to pursue a degree
in journalism. He was the editor of the college newspaper at LCC, and, perhaps not
surprisingly, fondly remembers attending football games (LCC eliminated its football
program in 1962 due to budget concerns).
Even in retirement, Hansen continues to promote collegiate athletics and student success.
To that end, he offers the following advice to incoming college students:
“Work hard, harder than the others who are seeking the same goals. Volunteer for positions
in which you can gain experience and establish contacts, so when a professional opportunity
arrives, you will be prepared to succeed in it. Many of the friendships and acquaintances
you make in college will impact your future.”
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