BOSTON – The America East Conference announced today the naming of its Academic Cup in honor of retiring University of Hartford President Walter Harrison.
 
The Academic Cup, established by the America East Board of Directors in 1995, is the conference's highest academic institutional honor and is presented to the institution whose student-athletes post the highest grade-point average during that academic year. 
 
Serving as Hartford's President since 1998, Harrison is the conference's longest-tenured president, having resided on the America East Board of Presidents for the past 19 years.
 
"It is with great pride and honor that we announce the Walter Harrison Academic Cup," said America East Commissioner Amy Huchthausenp. "President Harrison has been a valued and steady leader in America East during his time, seeing the conference through many changes. Through it all, he has remained an engaged participant and leader as a champion for the complete student-athlete experience. He has been a trusted advisor to me and countless others over the years and I will miss both his wisdom and wit. There is no person in the history of the America East Conference more deserving of this special honor."
 
Harrison is recognized as one the most influential leaders of NCAA academic reform, leading the development of the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate (APR) and chairing its Committee on Academic Performance from its creation in 2004 to 2014. He also served on the NCAA's Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including as chair from 2005-07.
 
"President Harrison's commitment to academics and the difference he has made in the lives of student-athletes all over the country are unrivaled," said NCAA President Mark Emmert. "He was the right leader at the right time as the NCAA embarked on the tough journey toward academic reform. That road led to the creation of the Academic Progress Rate, a metric that spurred a culture change in Division I. Walt's service and leadership on the Division I Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and the Committee on Academic Performance were essential as the NCAA made meaningful progress in strengthening academics and overall opportunity for student-athletes."

The Hawks have earned the Academic Cup four times during Harrison's tenure, including each year from 2012-2015. In 2015, he received the NCAA's prestigious Gerald R. Ford Award for his dedication to improving student-athletes' academic success.

Harrison will officially retire on June 30, 2017. The 2016-17 Walter Harrison Academic Cup will be awarded on June 27.